The Pakistani government reduced the delivery time for ordinary passports from 21 days to 14 days effective April 30, 2026 [1], [2].
This overhaul aims to modernize the country's travel document issuance process by removing bureaucratic delays and eliminating cash transactions at government offices.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi led the initiative to improve public convenience and overall efficiency [1], [2]. As part of the new directives, all passport offices must transition to a completely cashless system within 15 days [2]. This move is intended to increase transparency, and streamline the payment process for citizens.
Beyond the reduction in processing time, the government announced the introduction of a separate "business passport" category [1], [2]. While the specific requirements for this new category were not detailed in the announcement, it is intended to provide a distinct track for professional travelers.
The reduction from 21 days [2] to 14 days [1] represents a one-third decrease in the waiting period for standard applicants. The decision was announced in Islamabad and applies to passport offices nationwide [2].
Officials said the shift toward digital payments is a priority to reduce corruption and improve the speed of service delivery [1], [2]. The government expects the combination of faster processing and cashless operations to significantly reduce the congestion currently seen at issuance centers.
“The Pakistani government reduced the delivery time for ordinary passports from 21 days to 14 days.”
The transition to a cashless system and the reduction in processing times signal a broader push toward digitalization within Pakistan's federal bureaucracy. By introducing a business passport category, the government is attempting to segment its user base to better serve commercial interests and economic mobility, while the 15-day deadline for cashless payments suggests an urgent effort to curb leakage and improve financial oversight in public services.
