Passports (Amendment) Bill passed despite government opposition

Despite the government's opposition, the Senate of Pakistan passed the Passports (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on Monday. The controversial bill, introduced by Independent Senator Abdul Qadir, allows retired parliamentarians, with a particular focus on senators, to retain their gratis official (blue) passports for life. The bill amends the existing Passports Act, 1974, by introducing a new Section 3A, which outlines the conditions for retaining and using the official passports after ceasing office.

The bill's main objective is to grant parliamentarians, including senators, the right to retain and use their gratis official passports, even if they have not completed the full term of either five years for National Assembly members or six years for senators. The Senate interior panel had already approved the bill, and it faced lengthy debates from various senators, including the government officials.

State Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry argued against the bill, citing concerns over Pakistan's safety and dignity, and mentioned that several Western countries have expressed reservations regarding the issuance of numerous official passports by Pakistan. Chaudhry also informed that the Interior Ministry has cancelled 30,000 blue passports, reducing the total number from 75,000 to 45,000. Notably, none of the cancelled passports belonged to any parliamentarian.

Law Minister Azam Tarar clarified that unlike National Assembly lawmakers, senators are required to serve the full term to be eligible for blue passports. However, he supported Qadir's bill, stating that it needed to be presented in the House after considering the Interior Ministry's input. Another senator, Abid Sher Ali from Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), threatened to move a privilege motion against the requirement for parliamentarians to obtain clearance from the Interior Ministry for their children's passports, deeming it an insult to the Senate.

The Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Syedaal Khan, allowed Qadir to present the bill, which ultimately received the House's approval. Additionally, Senator Qadir withdrew another bill, the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to provide blue passports for the family members of former parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, criticized the imposition of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing the authorities of committing dacoity by snatching the public's mandate in the region.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhary affirmed the government's willingness to engage in dialogue with the opposition, noting that the committee formed for this purpose remains active. The Senate session was subsequently adjourned until the following day.