According to a significant policy shift announced by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, Pakistani nationals can now apply for passports at any passport office across the country, regardless of their registered residence.
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To facilitate the application procedure for applicants—especially those who might require services outside of their home jurisdictions—Rule 6 of the Passport Rules 2021 has been amended.
Following review by the Law Division, a proposal for this amendment was first sent to the Ministry of Interior. The Federal Cabinet has approved the revised rule, which eliminates the address-based restriction and requires all passport-issuing authorities to assist residents across the country with their applications.
As per the government guideline, any Pakistani citizen, regardless of the address on their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC), National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), or Child Registration Certificate (CRC), may now apply for passport services at any passport office. Zonal chiefs have been directed to put this updated regulation into effect to provide accessibility for all residents.
With this policy change, a passport service should not be refused based only on jurisdiction or residence. It is anticipated that this modification will simplify the application procedure and increase public convenience, particularly for people who live or work outside of their permanent abode.
