The implementation of the E-Passport in Pakistan by the Directorate general immigration and passports is a giant move towards modernizing the travel infrastructure in the country. This new travel document is a major advancement of the old Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and will place Pakistan on a level with international aviation standards.
What is the E-Passport?
In comparison to the normal MRP, Pakistani E-Passport has a secure electronic chip in the cover. This chip is where the holder is kept with his or her personal details including fingerprints and facial scan in addition to his or her biometric data. It has complete adherence to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, hence it is an internationally acknowledged secure travel document.
Key Features & Security
E-Passport is meant to deter identity theft and forgery. Key features include:
Biometric Chip: It is a place where personal and biometric data can be verified.
Laser Engraving: The information is laser-engraved on a polycarbonate page, which is resistant and difficult to be tampered with.
Holographic Images: More than 20 state-of-the-art security, holographic elements, and UV printing will forestall unauthorized copying.
Benefits for Travelers
The major benefit to the citizens is the E-Gate facility. Global Airports have automated electronic gates in which holders of e-Passports can pass through and save on time used in long queues during immigration processing. The chip also cultivates more trust between itself and foreign border authorities and this could simplify the process of visa processing and entry.
Application Process & Fees
The application process is still a combination of online and offline procedures:
Fee Payment: Passport fees can be paid through the passport fee Asaan mobile application or web portal.
Biometric Enrollment: They are required to visit a passport office physically where they will be captured with their biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan).
Fee Structure: Fees will depend on validity (5 or 10 years) and number of pages (36, 72 or 100 pages). It is usually above average MRP fee. The up-to-date rates are always available in the official app.
When Pakistan implements E-Passport, it not only guarantees the identity of its citizens but also provides its people with a more dignified and easier travelling process around the world.
