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In a major step towards modernizing its identity and travel documentation system, Pakistan has unveiled a new era of passport printing technology. The government has introduced artificial intelligence-powered passport printing machines, which promise to revolutionize the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of passport issuance across the country.
High-Speed Passport Printing with AI Integration
According to Mustafa Jamal Kazi, the Director General of Immigration and Passports, Pakistan acquired six advanced AI-based machines in March 2025. These machines have now been fully integrated with the NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) system, enabling a seamless flow of data and verification.
Kazi announced that each of these machines is capable of printing up to 300 passports per hour, a significant upgrade from the previous manual or semi-automated systems. He highlighted the move as a “technological leap forward” that will help reduce waiting times, improve public service delivery, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
“These machines will significantly reduce waiting times and improve service delivery,” said Mustafa Jamal Kazi, adding that this upgrade aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation goals.
Mother’s Name Now Included on Passports
In line with international best practices and evolving identification standards, the Pakistani government has introduced a new feature on passports: the inclusion of the mother’s name.
This policy change is aimed at:
- Improving identification accuracy
- Enhancing gender equality in documentation
- Aligning with global norms, particularly in countries where maternal identity is a key component in verifying lineage and citizenship
The inclusion of the mother’s name is expected to aid in cross-border identification, help in cases of parental custody disputes, and reduce ambiguities in child-related documentation.
Seamless Integration with NADRA’s National Database
A key part of this modernization effort is the deep integration between the passport system and NADRA’s national database. This linkage ensures that personal data such as identity verification, biometrics, and family records are automatically cross-referenced before a passport is printed.
This integration will:
- Minimize human error
- Speed up verification
- Reduce fraudulent documentation
- Support data-backed policymaking
As a result, Pakistan is now better equipped to issue passports that are not only faster to produce but also more secure and globally recognized.
Government Takes Tough Measures Against Illegal Deportees
In a related development, the federal government has begun cracking down on Pakistani citizens deported from foreign countries, particularly those who were removed due to illegal activities. This includes involvement in:
- Public begging
- Illegal immigration
- Fraud or criminal conduct abroad
Following repeated complaints from Middle Eastern nations, the government has initiated a policy to cancel the passports of such individuals and, in certain cases, initiate criminal charges under local law.
ITP Launches Drone Surveillance to Enforce Traffic Laws in Islamabad
This strict policy is meant to:
- Deter illegal migration
- Protect Pakistan’s international image
- Address diplomatic concerns raised by host countries
- Improve internal record-keeping and accountability
A senior official noted that the actions were taken to send a clear message that Pakistan does not support unlawful behavior by its nationals abroad and will take domestic action against violators.
Future Plans: Toward a Fully Digital Passport Ecosystem
The introduction of AI-driven machines and upgraded passport policies is part of a larger digitalization roadmap being pursued by the Ministry of Interior and NADRA. Future plans may include:
- Online passport renewal and tracking systems
- Biometric-based identity verification
- Expansion of regional passport centers
- Increased data sharing with immigration and airport security systems
These efforts reflect Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a digitally advanced and globally integrated nation, particularly in terms of identity management, travel, and security.
