Big Relief for Citizens: Passport Delivery to Get Faster in Pakistan with New AI-Powered Printing System

For thousands of Pakistani citizens who have long faced delays and frustrations in getting their passports, there is finally some much-needed good news. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) has announced a major technological upgrade that promises to significantly speed up passport printing and reduce wait times at passport offices across the country.

In a recent press statement, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, the Director General of Passports, revealed that Pakistan has introduced state-of-the-art, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered passport printing machines that are now fully operational. These high-speed machines are expected to revolutionize the entire passport issuance process and offer a much smoother experience for applicants.

Fast-Track Printing with AI Machines

According to Kazi, the newly installed printing machines are capable of printing up to 300 passports per hour. This is a massive leap from the older, slower systems that often struggled to keep up with the overwhelming number of applications submitted daily. The enhanced speed and efficiency mean that thousands of citizens who had been waiting for weeks—or even months—can now expect to receive their passports in a much shorter time.

“These AI-powered machines are part of our broader mission to modernize the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports,” said Kazi. “We want to make passport services more efficient, more secure, and more citizen-friendly.”

Integration with NADRA: A Game Changer

One of the key features of the new system is its direct integration with NADRA’s national database, which will allow for faster and more accurate verification of applicants’ information. This real-time data connectivity will help reduce errors, shorten processing times, and ensure greater transparency in the issuance process.

The six machines were imported in March 2025 and have now been successfully configured with the existing infrastructure. This integration ensures that data from the passport application is instantly matched with national ID records, streamlining the authentication process.

Kazi explained, “Linking these new machines with NADRA was critical. It allows us to verify identity details almost instantly, which saves time and avoids the common issues that cause delays.”

Addressing the Backlog

In recent months, there had been growing frustration across Pakistan as passport offices struggled to meet the high demand for travel documents. Long lines, technical glitches, and a backlog of pending applications led to widespread public complaints.

The situation was especially dire for people needing urgent travel—whether for medical reasons, education abroad, or job opportunities in the Middle East. Many applicants reported waiting more than a month to receive their passports, even after paying for urgent or executive services.

The DGIP’s new initiative is expected to clear this backlog swiftly. With the new high-speed machines now operating at full capacity, the department can process thousands more passports each day, reducing the bottlenecks that have plagued the system.

Modernization Beyond Machines

The government’s passport reforms go beyond just upgrading hardware. The DGIP is implementing a comprehensive modernization plan to improve the overall experience for applicants. This includes streamlining procedures, training staff, upgrading digital systems, and increasing capacity at regional passport offices.

Some of the key changes in the pipeline include:

• Digital appointment booking systems to avoid unnecessary queues.

• Online status tracking so applicants can monitor progress in real time.

• Helpline improvements for quicker response to public queries.

• Mobile passport vans in remote areas for better accessibility.

These measures aim to make the entire process—from application to delivery—faster, more transparent, and user-friendly.

A Milestone in Gender Inclusion: Mother’s Name Added to Passports

In a significant and progressive development, Pakistan’s new passports will now include the mother’s name alongside the father’s name. This long-overdue change is being hailed as a step toward gender equality and global documentation standards.

In most Western and developed countries, both parents’ names are typically included in official documents to reflect family background and provide clearer identification. Pakistan has now joined that league.

Mustafa Jamal Kazi emphasized that the inclusion of the mother’s name will not only improve identification accuracy but also provide legal protection and empowerment for women, especially in cases involving custody, travel permissions, and legal guardianship.

“This change is symbolic and practical,” he stated. “It gives mothers their rightful place in official records and strengthens the bond between citizens and the state.”

Fighting Passport Misuse: Government Cracks Down on Illegal Activity

While the DGIP is making it easier for law-abiding citizens to get their passports, it is also taking a tougher stance against those who abuse the system. In a parallel move, the government has started cracking down on individuals involved in illegal activities abroad.

Several Pakistani citizens who were deported for reasons such as begging, human trafficking, or traveling with fake documents are now facing serious consequences. The government has begun cancelling the passports of such individuals, and in some cases, legal proceedings have been initiated against them.

This crackdown is part of an effort to preserve the integrity of the Pakistani passport and improve the country’s international image. For years, Pakistani passports have been under scrutiny in many countries due to misuse and fraudulent activities.

“Misusing the passport not only damages the individual’s reputation but also puts the entire country at risk,” said Kazi. “We are committed to stopping this misuse and will not tolerate those who use the passport for illegal purposes.”

Security First: Better Technology Means Safer Documents

With the inclusion of AI, NADRA integration, and upgraded security protocols, the new system is also expected to significantly reduce fraud and forgery.

The DGIP has upgraded not only the speed but also the security features of the passport. Each passport will now carry a unique encrypted chip that stores the individual’s biometric data, ensuring that the document is tamper-proof and easily verified at international borders.

New software protocols will regularly update the passport system and alert authorities of any attempts to manipulate data or duplicate documents. This is especially important at a time when global travel security is tightening and countries are demanding higher documentation standards.

Public Reaction: Relief, Optimism, and Cautious Hope

The public response to these announcements has been largely positive. Many Pakistanis took to social media to express relief and hope that these reforms will finally solve the years-long passport delays.

“I applied for an urgent passport and had to wait 45 days,” said one applicant from Karachi. “I hope this new system means people like me won’t have to suffer anymore.”

However, some citizens have also expressed cautious optimism, urging the DGIP to ensure that the changes are implemented at the grassroots level and not just in major cities.

“There’s always a big announcement, but the real issue is what happens at the local office,” said another user on X (formerly Twitter). “If staff behavior, corruption, and delays don’t change, what’s the point of machines?”

The DGIP has acknowledged these concerns and promised continued monitoring and accountability to make sure the reforms bring real change for everyone, not just in Islamabad or Lahore, but in every corner of the country.

Long-Term Vision: A Passport System for the Future

The passport reforms are part of a broader digital transformation agenda being pursued by the Government of Pakistan. From digitizing land records to launching e-governance portals, the goal is to streamline public services and improve governance through modern technology.

The passport upgrades align with global trends, where countries are moving toward biometric passports, digital identity verification, and AI-based data processing to provide more secure and efficient travel documentation.

Pakistan’s passport still ranks low on global passport indexes, limiting visa-free access to many countries. However, experts say that such reforms—especially if sustained—could help improve the international standing of the Pakistani passport over time.

Final Thoughts

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has taken a major leap forward by introducing cutting-edge technology to the passport issuance system. The use of AI-powered machines, seamless NADRA integration, new documentation standards, and a crackdown on abuse all point toward a future of faster, safer, and more transparent passport services in Pakistan.

While challenges remain, including implementation in rural areas and staff training, the foundation for a reformed system has been laid. If these improvements are maintained and expanded, Pakistanis may soon be able to apply for and receive their passports without the stress and delays that have become all too familiar.

For now, the message is clear: Help is on the way. The passport office is finally catching up with the future.

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Big Relief for Citizens: Passport Delivery to Get Faster in Pakistan with New AI-Powered Printing System

For thousands of Pakistani citizens who have long faced delays and frustrations in getting their passports, there is finally some much-needed good news. The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) has announced a major technological upgrade that promises to significantly speed up passport printing and reduce wait times at passport offices across the country.

In a recent press statement, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, the Director General of Passports, revealed that Pakistan has introduced state-of-the-art, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered passport printing machines that are now fully operational. These high-speed machines are expected to revolutionize the entire passport issuance process and offer a much smoother experience for applicants.

Fast-Track Printing with AI Machines

According to Kazi, the newly installed printing machines are capable of printing up to 300 passports per hour. This is a massive leap from the older, slower systems that often struggled to keep up with the overwhelming number of applications submitted daily. The enhanced speed and efficiency mean that thousands of citizens who had been waiting for weeks—or even months—can now expect to receive their passports in a much shorter time.

“These AI-powered machines are part of our broader mission to modernize the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports,” said Kazi. “We want to make passport services more efficient, more secure, and more citizen-friendly.”

Integration with NADRA: A Game Changer

One of the key features of the new system is its direct integration with NADRA’s national database, which will allow for faster and more accurate verification of applicants’ information. This real-time data connectivity will help reduce errors, shorten processing times, and ensure greater transparency in the issuance process.

The six machines were imported in March 2025 and have now been successfully configured with the existing infrastructure. This integration ensures that data from the passport application is instantly matched with national ID records, streamlining the authentication process.

Kazi explained, “Linking these new machines with NADRA was critical. It allows us to verify identity details almost instantly, which saves time and avoids the common issues that cause delays.”

Addressing the Backlog

In recent months, there had been growing frustration across Pakistan as passport offices struggled to meet the high demand for travel documents. Long lines, technical glitches, and a backlog of pending applications led to widespread public complaints.

The situation was especially dire for people needing urgent travel—whether for medical reasons, education abroad, or job opportunities in the Middle East. Many applicants reported waiting more than a month to receive their passports, even after paying for urgent or executive services.

The DGIP’s new initiative is expected to clear this backlog swiftly. With the new high-speed machines now operating at full capacity, the department can process thousands more passports each day, reducing the bottlenecks that have plagued the system.

Modernization Beyond Machines

The government’s passport reforms go beyond just upgrading hardware. The DGIP is implementing a comprehensive modernization plan to improve the overall experience for applicants. This includes streamlining procedures, training staff, upgrading digital systems, and increasing capacity at regional passport offices.

Some of the key changes in the pipeline include:

• Digital appointment booking systems to avoid unnecessary queues.

• Online status tracking so applicants can monitor progress in real time.

• Helpline improvements for quicker response to public queries.

• Mobile passport vans in remote areas for better accessibility.

These measures aim to make the entire process—from application to delivery—faster, more transparent, and user-friendly.

A Milestone in Gender Inclusion: Mother’s Name Added to Passports

In a significant and progressive development, Pakistan’s new passports will now include the mother’s name alongside the father’s name. This long-overdue change is being hailed as a step toward gender equality and global documentation standards.

In most Western and developed countries, both parents’ names are typically included in official documents to reflect family background and provide clearer identification. Pakistan has now joined that league.

Mustafa Jamal Kazi emphasized that the inclusion of the mother’s name will not only improve identification accuracy but also provide legal protection and empowerment for women, especially in cases involving custody, travel permissions, and legal guardianship.

“This change is symbolic and practical,” he stated. “It gives mothers their rightful place in official records and strengthens the bond between citizens and the state.”

Fighting Passport Misuse: Government Cracks Down on Illegal Activity

While the DGIP is making it easier for law-abiding citizens to get their passports, it is also taking a tougher stance against those who abuse the system. In a parallel move, the government has started cracking down on individuals involved in illegal activities abroad.

Several Pakistani citizens who were deported for reasons such as begging, human trafficking, or traveling with fake documents are now facing serious consequences. The government has begun cancelling the passports of such individuals, and in some cases, legal proceedings have been initiated against them.

This crackdown is part of an effort to preserve the integrity of the Pakistani passport and improve the country’s international image. For years, Pakistani passports have been under scrutiny in many countries due to misuse and fraudulent activities.

“Misusing the passport not only damages the individual’s reputation but also puts the entire country at risk,” said Kazi. “We are committed to stopping this misuse and will not tolerate those who use the passport for illegal purposes.”

Security First: Better Technology Means Safer Documents

With the inclusion of AI, NADRA integration, and upgraded security protocols, the new system is also expected to significantly reduce fraud and forgery.

The DGIP has upgraded not only the speed but also the security features of the passport. Each passport will now carry a unique encrypted chip that stores the individual’s biometric data, ensuring that the document is tamper-proof and easily verified at international borders.

New software protocols will regularly update the passport system and alert authorities of any attempts to manipulate data or duplicate documents. This is especially important at a time when global travel security is tightening and countries are demanding higher documentation standards.

Public Reaction: Relief, Optimism, and Cautious Hope

The public response to these announcements has been largely positive. Many Pakistanis took to social media to express relief and hope that these reforms will finally solve the years-long passport delays.

“I applied for an urgent passport and had to wait 45 days,” said one applicant from Karachi. “I hope this new system means people like me won’t have to suffer anymore.”

However, some citizens have also expressed cautious optimism, urging the DGIP to ensure that the changes are implemented at the grassroots level and not just in major cities.

“There’s always a big announcement, but the real issue is what happens at the local office,” said another user on X (formerly Twitter). “If staff behavior, corruption, and delays don’t change, what’s the point of machines?”

The DGIP has acknowledged these concerns and promised continued monitoring and accountability to make sure the reforms bring real change for everyone, not just in Islamabad or Lahore, but in every corner of the country.

Long-Term Vision: A Passport System for the Future

The passport reforms are part of a broader digital transformation agenda being pursued by the Government of Pakistan. From digitizing land records to launching e-governance portals, the goal is to streamline public services and improve governance through modern technology.

The passport upgrades align with global trends, where countries are moving toward biometric passports, digital identity verification, and AI-based data processing to provide more secure and efficient travel documentation.

Pakistan’s passport still ranks low on global passport indexes, limiting visa-free access to many countries. However, experts say that such reforms—especially if sustained—could help improve the international standing of the Pakistani passport over time.

Final Thoughts

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has taken a major leap forward by introducing cutting-edge technology to the passport issuance system. The use of AI-powered machines, seamless NADRA integration, new documentation standards, and a crackdown on abuse all point toward a future of faster, safer, and more transparent passport services in Pakistan.

While challenges remain, including implementation in rural areas and staff training, the foundation for a reformed system has been laid. If these improvements are maintained and expanded, Pakistanis may soon be able to apply for and receive their passports without the stress and delays that have become all too familiar.