Prime Minister Imran Khan introduced the e-passport facility on Wednesday to improve security and ease foreign travel for Pakistanis.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the e-passport will facilitate people, particularly overseas Pakistanis, at airports.
“Overseas Pakistanis are our precious asset and because of them, there have been record remittances of $31 billion,” PM said.
He stated that assisting abroad Pakistanis will benefit the country in the long run.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the e-passport program will help enhance tourism in Pakistan. He pointed out that the use of technology not only makes life easier for everyone, but it also aids in the management of corruption.
Speaking at the event, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed stated that the validity of passports has been increased from five to ten years in order to assist Pakistanis living abroad.
“We have also started a service under which passports are being issued in just 24 hours,” he said.
Over the last few years, 88 new NADRA centers have been constructed across the country, according to the minister.
Sheikh Rashid stated in a tweet on Tuesday that the new biometric passport will include an electronic chip.
To read our blog on “PM Imran Khan will launch E-Passport Service today,” click here.