Pakistan has recently launched an e-passport system to provide increased security and convenience while traveling abroad for its citizens. The new passport comes with an embedded electronic chip that holds the biometric information of the passport owner, thus making it easy and more secure to check identity at international borders. With the launch of the e-passport, Pakistan joins the ranks of more than 150 countries with such systems, ensuring easier travel experiences for Pakistani citizens. In this paper, we will discuss its main features, fee structure, advantages, and future prospects of the e-passport system.
Key Features of Pakistan’s e-Passport
The new e-passport has embedded electronic chips containing biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition. This modern feature offers a reliable technique for border authorities to confirm the identity of the passport holder, reducing the risk of identity fraud and enhancing security. This way the e-passport is now capable of storing biometric data on a chip where it can quickly be accessed at e-gates, simplifying entry and exit on international airports. With time, this technology makes easy and fast access possible; however, at the same time, security level increased, and this means there is a high probability of success for the Pakistani citizens, making the e-passport one of the secure travel mediums.
Fee Structure for Pakistan e-Passports as of October 2024
In Pakistan, e-passport charges are implemented in a tiered fee structure as of October 2024. The price depends on pages, validity, and whether it should be processed or not. Here are some charges:
- 36-Page Passport (5-Year Validity): Normal Processing Rs9,000, Urgent Processing Rs15,000
- 36-Page Passport (10-Year Validity): Normal Processing: Rs 13,500; Urgent Processing: Rs22,500
- 72-Page Passport (5-Year Validity): Normal Processing: Rs 16,500; Urgent Processing: Rs27,000
- 72-Page Passport (10-Year Validity): Standard Processing: PKR 24,750, High Commission Processing: PKR 40,500
This fee structure allows an applicant to choose the services that best meet his requirement for traveling. Travelers who require their passport in brief or want to have them valid for longer periods would opt for high commission or a 10-year version, thus making Pakistani visitors flexible.
Benefits of an e-Passport on Pakistani Travelers
There are several benefits to Pakistani citizens from an e-passport. Major Advantages
The biggest and most significant advantage of an e-passport is that travel through e-gate terminals is possible almost anywhere in the world. Thus, it is accelerating entry procedures and will consequently minimize waiting time. It greatly simplifies border control operations for frequent travelers. Also, an electronic passport is recognized in international security standards, which will simplify travel for Pakistani travelers in every corner of the globe. For overseas Pakistanis, the e-passport is more convenient to travel and it brings Pakistan to the world standard of modern biometric security.
The e-passport also streamlines travel formalities like visa applications. With the chip storing the biometric data, it simplifies the process of presenting and verifying identity details in case one is to apply for visas. With regards to Pakistani citizens, it reduces the paper work and time taken to attain traveling documents from other nations. It is thus beneficial to both citizens and Pakistani citizens abroad, who perform their travel formalities without many hassles.
Future Projections of Pakistan’s e-Passport System
This e-passport is expected to bring long-term benefits due to the increase in its usage in Pakistan. Due to digital data storage and biometric verification, the e-passport does not have any scope of forgery or fraud. Thus, it enhances Pakistan’s global mobility. With time, more countries will accept the e-passport of Pakistan, and travelers will have access to more e-gates and fast-track lanes at airports all over the world. The system also benefits individual travelers but also enhances Pakistan’s reputation in global travel security.
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Conclusion
This introduction brings to Pakistan a step by gradual modernization in handling travel documents for its population. With its features having a biometric verification form and adaptable fee, there has been an adjustment from earlier forms to match more the international security standards expected worldwide. The new trend brought by the introduction of these new passports will facilitate enhanced safety and convenience during trips from Pakistan. Such an introduction may eventually improve travel among the Pakistani population as it sets the country’s rank on the international scene through ease of travel.