In a notable development for international travel and diplomatic progress, Pakistan’s passport has climbed to the 100th position in the 2025 edition of the Henley Passport Index. The index, published by Henley & Partners, ranks global passports based on the number of countries their holders can enter without a prior visa. Pakistan’s rise from the 113th spot in 2021 reflects a tangible improvement in global mobility.

The passport now provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries, including several in Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.

Mustafa Jamal Qazi, Director General of Immigration and Passports, attributed the upward movement to significant reforms led by the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Secretary of Interior. These reforms have included a wide range of modernization initiatives in passport issuance and security infrastructure.

One of the cornerstone advancements is the launch of electronic passports (e-passports) featuring NFC-enabled chips, meeting standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These upgrades have improved verification accuracy and enhanced international trust in the Pakistani passport.

To facilitate smoother immigration, e-gates will soon be introduced at major international airports, reducing wait times for passengers traveling with e-passports. According to Qazi, the passport backlog has been entirely cleared, leading to faster processing and improved citizen satisfaction.

Technological Leap in Passport Services

The “Passport Fee Asaan” mobile app now enables users to pay passport fees digitally. Additionally, Pakistan has introduced online passport renewal services for overseas citizens, with a new passport application app in development that will allow users to apply from home.

With the Ministry of Interior’s ongoing support, authorities are optimistic that Pakistan’s global mobility and ranking will continue to advance in upcoming editions of the Henley Index.