60-Day Passport Issuance for Overseas Pakistanis

Reversal of Passport Issuance Ban for Pakistani Asylum Seekers

Background

On Monday, the federal government reversed its decision to halt the issuance of Pakistani passports to individuals seeking political asylum abroad.

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The reversal came after a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, focusing on the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.

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Key officials, including the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of Interior, and the Director General of Immigration and Passports (DG IMPASS), were in attendance.

Key Decisions

Immediate Withdrawal of Previous Circular

• The government decided to withdraw the circular dated June 5, 2024, which had suspended the issuance of passports to asylum seekers abroad.
• Deputy Prime Minister Dar announced that passports for overseas Pakistanis would now be issued within sixty days.

Efficient Services for Overseas Pakistanis

• Dar emphasized the importance of efficient services for overseas Pakistanis, ensuring the new timeframe would be strictly adhered to.

Previous Policy and Reactions

Initial Directive

• On June 5, the Interior Ministry announced it would not issue passports to Pakistani citizens seeking asylum abroad. This directive aimed to enhance national security and curb unauthorized migration.
• Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi instructed his department to halt passport issuance for asylum seekers, with media sources indicating that such applicants would no longer qualify for a Pakistani passport.

Public and Legal Response

• The policy elicited mixed reactions, with some praising it for preventing passport misuse and bolstering national security, while others criticized it for infringing on asylum seekers’ rights.
• A petition was filed in the Supreme Court on June 25, challenging the notification. Advocate Saim Chaudhry filed the petition under Section 184(3), requesting the nullification of the government’s June 5 policy. The petition claimed the policy was discriminatory and against fundamental rights, citing Articles 10, 10A, and 25 of the Constitution.

Legal and Administrative Proceedings

Supreme Court Petition

• The petition argued that the notification banning passport issuance to asylum seekers was discriminatory and violated fundamental rights.
• It requested the immediate cessation of the policy’s implementation, highlighting the lack of specified reasons for the ban.

Conclusion

The reversal of the passport issuance ban marks a significant shift in government policy, aiming to better serve the needs of overseas Pakistanis. The new policy ensures timely passport issuance, reflecting a commitment to the welfare and rights of Pakistani citizens abroad. This change is expected to alleviate the challenges faced by asylum seekers and streamline the process for obtaining passports.

Stay updated with more information on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

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