Govt Plans Major Update to Pakistani Passports: Mother’s Name Likely to Be Added

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports has proposed a significant update to Pakistani passports, considering the inclusion of both parents’ names — not just the father’s — on new documents.

According to a Passport and Immigration Department spokesperson, authorities are actively working on making the mother’s name a mandatory addition to future passports. This change, the official noted, is being introduced “keeping in mind the social needs and in line with international standards.”

The proposed update aims to align Pakistani passport details with global identification practices, ensuring better international acceptance and verification.

As for the existing passport holders, there’s no final decision yet. The spokesperson explained, “There is a possibility of passport holders requiring issuance of a new passport, but there is a higher likelihood that the new update will be applicable only for new issuances.”

Authorities also clarified that current passports will remain valid until their expiry dates, and the proposed changes are expected to affect only newly issued passports once the policy is implemented.

The move has sparked discussion across social and legal circles, with many calling it a progressive step towards identity equality and documentation accuracy. Further announcements are expected once the policy is finalized.