{
  "id": 14643518,
  "title": "Pakistanis Can No Longer Apply for Machine-Readable Passports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/pakistanis-can-no-longer-apply-for-machine-readable-passports",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-15T07:38:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/15/pakistanis-can-no-longer-apply-for-machine-readable-passports/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan's passport offices and diplomatic missions abroad, such as those in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, commenced issuing e-passports starting October 15. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports announced the cessation of machine-readable passport issuance. The agency had designated October 14 as the final date for accepting applications for machine-readable passports.\n\nApplicants are now only eligible to apply for e-passports from October 15 onwards. Existing machine-readable passports will continue to be valid until their respective expiry dates and will not automatically become invalid. The new e-passport system is intended to enhance passport security and align Pakistani travel documents with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.\n\nOfficials assert that the transition will also facilitate the use of electronic gates at both domestic and international travel facilities. The e-passport incorporates a contactless near-field communication (NFC) chip that stores the holder’s biometric data, facial characteristics, identification number, and digital signature. Additionally, the passport features security measures aimed at thwarting forgery attempts.",
  "summary": "Pakistan’s passport offices and diplomatic missions abroad, including those in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, began issuing e-passports on … Read More The post Pakistanis Can No Longer Apply for Machine-Readable Passports appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}