How to Collect a Pakistani Passport From the Passport Office

After applying for a Pakistani passport, the final step is collecting the completed passport from the relevant passport office. Many applicants are unsure about when to visit, what to bring, whether the original token is required, and whether a family member can collect the passport on their behalf.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P) currently states that, after the passport application has been successfully processed, the applicant should visit the Passport Delivery counter with the original token on the given date. DGI&P also states that the passport is delivered only to the applicant or the applicant's blood relative; an unrelated person should not be expected to receive it.

This guide explains the complete passport collection process in Pakistan and what you should do before visiting the passport office.

When Can You Collect Your Pakistani Passport?

You should collect your passport after DGI&P has completed processing and the passport has reached the relevant delivery location.

The passport application process at a Regional Passport Office ends with passport delivery. DGI&P says that the applicant should visit the Passport Delivery counter with the original token on the date given for collection.

Do not assume that the passport will be available immediately after applying. The passport first goes through the relevant processing and production stages and is then dispatched toward the Regional Passport Office.

DGI&P also explains that applicants can receive passport-status information through SMS service 9988 inside Pakistan. A valid mobile number should therefore be provided during the application process.

How Do You Know That Your Passport Is Ready?

DGI&P provides status information through SMS service 9988 inside Pakistan.

The department explains that applicants can be informed about their passport status through SMS after providing the correct mobile number during the data-entry stage. DGI&P also states that passports dispatched from the production facility may require additional shipment time to reach the relevant Regional Passport Office.

Therefore, before travelling to the passport office:

1. Check the status of your passport.

2. Confirm that it has been dispatched or is available for collection.

3. Check the collection date provided by the office.

4. Keep your original token ready.

5. Visit the appropriate passport delivery counter.

If the passport has been dispatched but has not yet reached the RPO, you may need to wait for the shipment to arrive.

What Do You Need to Collect Your Passport?

The most important document specifically mentioned by DGI&P for passport collection is the original token.

DGI&P's official process states that the applicant should visit the Passport Delivery counter with the original token on the given date.

It is also sensible to carry your original CNIC or other relevant identification, particularly if an official needs to verify your identity.

For a relative collecting the passport, the relative should also carry their own original identification and any relationship evidence that the passport office may request.

Basic collection checklist

Before leaving for the passport office, make sure you have:

• Original passport token

• Original CNIC or applicable identification

• Any collection receipt provided during application

• Identification of the blood relative, if someone else is collecting it

• Evidence of the blood relationship if the office asks for it

• Any additional document specifically requested by DGI&P or the concerned office

The exact documents can vary according to the individual case, so applicants with unusual circumstances should confirm the requirements before travelling.

Can You Collect the Passport Yourself?

Yes. Personal collection is the straightforward option.

DGI&P's current instructions state that the passport will be delivered to the applicant himself or herself or to a blood relative.

If you are personally collecting the passport, take your original token and appropriate identification and visit the Passport Delivery counter on the given collection date.

You do not normally need to repeat the entire passport application process. Collection is the final delivery stage after the application has already been processed.

Can a Blood Relative Collect Your Passport?

Yes. DGI&P specifically states that the passport may be delivered to the applicant's blood relative.

This is important if you cannot personally visit the passport office.

Examples of blood relatives ordinarily include:

• Father

• Mother

• Brother

• Sister

• Son

• Daughter

However, if there is any uncertainty about whether a particular relationship qualifies, confirm it with the concerned passport office before sending the person.

The relative should be prepared to identify themselves and, if requested, establish their relationship with the passport applicant.

Can a Friend Collect Your Passport?

You should not rely on a friend being permitted to collect your passport.

DGI&P's current published instructions state that the passport will only be delivered to the applicant or the applicant's blood relative and that passports will not be delivered to irrelevant persons.

Therefore, if you cannot attend personally, sending a friend, neighbour, colleague, employee, or other unrelated person may result in refusal of delivery.

If your circumstances make personal collection impossible and no blood relative can collect the passport, contact DGI&P or the concerned passport office before attempting collection.

Can a Husband or Wife Collect the Passport?

This situation requires particular attention.

DGI&P's published wording specifically refers to the applicant or a blood relative.

A spouse is a close family member, but is not a blood relative in the ordinary meaning of that term. Therefore, applicants should not automatically assume that a husband or wife can collect a passport under the blood-relative provision.

If your spouse needs to collect your passport, contact the concerned passport office before the collection date and ask whether the office will allow the particular collection and what documents are required.

This is safer than sending the spouse to the office without confirmation.

Is an Authorization Letter Enough?

Applicants should not assume that an authorization letter automatically allows any person to collect a passport.

The current DGI&P collection instructions state that delivery is made to the applicant or a blood relative.

Therefore, an authorization letter should not be treated as a substitute for the current collection requirements.

If you have a special circumstance, such as serious illness, disability, absence from the city, or another exceptional situation, contact the relevant passport office or DGI&P and ask for the current procedure.

What Happens at the Passport Delivery Counter?

Passport collection is the final stage of the Regional Passport Office process.

According to DGI&P, once the earlier application stages have been completed, the applicant visits the Passport Delivery counter with the original token on the given date.

At the counter, the passport office can verify the relevant information and release the passport according to the applicable delivery rules.

If a blood relative is collecting it, the official may need to verify the collector's identity and relationship.

The applicant or collector should follow the instructions of the passport-office staff rather than attempting to use an unrelated person.

What If You Forgot Your Original Token?

The original token is specifically mentioned in DGI&P's passport-collection instructions.

If the original token has been lost, do not assume that a photocopy or photograph will automatically be accepted.

Contact the relevant passport office before visiting and ask what procedure applies to a lost token.

Take your original CNIC and any other application information you have available when seeking assistance.

What If Your Passport Has Not Reached the Passport Office?

A passport may be dispatched from the production facility within the applicable processing period but still require additional shipment time to reach the relevant RPO or Foreign Mission.

DGI&P specifically notes that shipment time to the destination can be additional to the processing period.

If your status indicates that the passport has been dispatched but it has not yet reached the passport office:

• Check the latest status.

• Allow for the shipment period.

• Contact the relevant office if the delay continues.

• Use the official DGI&P contact channels if further clarification is required.

Do not make repeated trips to the office without checking whether the passport has actually reached the delivery location.

How Long Does Pakistani Passport Processing Take?

DGI&P currently publishes different processing categories.

Its general passport information lists:

• Fast Track: 2 working days

• Urgent: 5 working days

• Normal: 21 working days

These are the stated processing periods after successful processing requirements, while courier or shipment time to the destination is separate.

Applicants should distinguish between passport processing time and time required for the completed passport to reach the relevant passport office.

DGI&P specifically notes that shipment time is not included in the published processing period.

Because procedures and service arrangements can change, verify the latest information on the official DGI&P website before relying on a particular delivery timeframe.

What Are the Passport Office Timings?

DGI&P's current general public-dealing information states that most Regional Passport Offices, Executive Passport Offices and Passport Processing Counters operate Monday to Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a prayer/lunch break from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Public holidays are excluded.

However, DGI&P also lists selected offices and NADRA Mega Centers that provide 24/7 passport-processing services through different shifts.

Therefore, applicants should check the specific office rather than assuming every passport office has identical collection hours.

This is especially important because passport collection is subject to the public-dealing and token arrangements of the relevant office.

Can You Collect the Passport From Any Passport Office?

You should generally collect the passport from the relevant delivery location associated with your application.

DGI&P's process states that passports are delivered to the respective Regional Passport Office or Foreign Mission after dispatch.

Do not assume that a passport processed at one office can automatically be collected from another office.

If you have moved to another city or have another reason for wanting to change the collection location, contact DGI&P or the relevant passport office and ask about the applicable procedure.

Can Someone From Another City Collect Your Passport?

A blood relative may be able to collect your passport under DGI&P's blood-relative provision, but the collection still needs to take place according to the delivery arrangements for your application.

If the relative lives in another city, confirm where the passport is available for collection before sending them.

The passport is not necessarily transferable between offices simply because the applicant or relative lives elsewhere.

What Should You Check After Receiving the Passport?

Once you receive your passport, carefully check the information printed in it.

Pay attention to:

• Full name

• Photograph

• Father or relative name where applicable

• Date of birth

• Place of birth

• Passport number

• Date of issue

• Date of expiry

• Other important personal information

If you notice an error, contact the relevant passport authority promptly instead of waiting until you need to travel.

DGI&P also provides procedures for passport modification and correction of particulars, subject to the applicable requirements.

What If Your Passport Is Delayed?

If your passport has not arrived within the expected period, first distinguish between processing and shipment.

DGI&P explains that a passport can be dispatched from the production facility within the prescribed processing period but may require additional time to reach the RPO or Foreign Mission.

You can:

1. Check the status through the available official channels.

2. Confirm whether the passport has been dispatched.

3. Confirm whether it has reached the relevant office.

4. Contact the passport office if the status does not progress.

5. Contact DGI&P through its official contact channels if necessary.

DGI&P lists an application-tracking email channel and asks applicants to provide information such as their name, contact number, CNIC number, token number and contact address when making an application-tracking query.

Can a Minor's Passport Be Collected by a Parent?

Minor passport cases have additional rules.

DGI&P's requirements state that minors applying for passports must generally be accompanied by a parent or a court-appointed legal guardian during the application process, with specific documentation depending on the circumstances.

Collection is a separate stage from application.

Parents or guardians should therefore check the specific collection instructions associated with the minor's application rather than assuming that every minor case follows exactly the same procedure.

What If You Applied Through Online Passport Services?

Online passport applications have different arrangements from applications processed directly at an RPO.

DGI&P's FAQ states that applicants who choose Home Delivery can have their passport delivered to their doorstep. If Home Delivery is not selected, applicants are directed to contact the relevant Regional Passport Office or Foreign Mission where the application was submitted.

Therefore, an online applicant should check the delivery method selected during the application.

Do not automatically apply RPO collection rules to an online home-delivery order.

Important Difference Between Passport Application and Passport Collection

Passport application and passport collection are two different stages.

During application, the applicant may need to:

• Submit identity documents

• Have a photograph captured

• Provide fingerprints

• Complete data entry

• Complete verification

• Appear before the Assistant Director or relevant officer

• Pay the passport fee

After successful processing, the final stage is passport delivery.

DGI&P lists passport delivery as Step 8 of the RPO process and instructs the applicant to bring the original token on the given date.

This means that you normally do not need to repeat the complete application process simply to collect an already processed passport.

Practical Passport Collection Checklist

Before going to the passport office, use this checklist:

Before leaving home

• Check your passport status.

• Confirm that the passport has been dispatched and reached the appropriate collection location where applicable.

• Check the collection date.

• Find your original token.

• Take your original CNIC.

• If a relative is collecting it, make sure the relative has their original identification.

• Take relationship evidence if appropriate.

• Confirm the office's current public-dealing or delivery timing.

At the passport office

• Go to the designated Passport Delivery counter.

• Present the original token.

• Follow the instructions of the passport official.

• Allow the officer to verify the relevant details.

• If a blood relative is collecting the passport, provide the requested identification or relationship evidence.

• Receive the passport only after the official completes the required verification.

After collection

• Check your personal details.

• Check the photograph.

• Check the passport number.

• Check issue and expiry dates.

• Store the passport safely.

• Report any apparent error through the appropriate official channel.

What If You Cannot Collect Your Passport Personally?

If you cannot attend the passport office, the first option to consider under the current DGI&P guidance is an eligible blood relative.

If you are unsure whether a particular relative qualifies, contact the relevant passport office before the collection date.

If no blood relative is available, do not simply send a friend or unrelated person. DGI&P's published guidance specifically says that passports are not delivered to irrelevant persons.

For exceptional circumstances, contact DGI&P directly and explain your case.

Official DGI&P Contact Channels

DGI&P provides official channels for passport information and application tracking.

For general passport queries, DGI&P lists info@dgip.gov.pk.

For application tracking, DGI&P lists opts@dgip.gov.pk and asks applicants to provide their name, contact number, CNIC number, token number and contact address.

For passport policy matters, DGI&P lists passport.policy@dgip.gov.pk.

Always use the current contact information published on the official DGI&P website because government contact details can change.

Final Summary

Collecting a Pakistani passport from the passport office is normally the final stage after your application has been processed.

The key points are:

• Check your passport status before visiting.

• Visit the relevant Passport Delivery counter on the given date.

• Take the original token.

• Carry appropriate identification.

• You can collect your passport personally.

• DGI&P's current guidance also permits delivery to a blood relative.

• Do not assume that a friend, neighbour, colleague or other unrelated person can collect it.

• If your situation is unusual, confirm the procedure with the relevant passport office or DGI&P before travelling.

• Remember that shipment time to the passport office can be additional to the published processing period.

• Check all passport details immediately after receiving the document.

For the latest requirements, timings, processing information and contact details, applicants should verify the information directly with the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports before visiting the office.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Complete your Pakistani passport application through the applicable DGI&P process.

2. Complete all required application stages at the passport office.

3. Make sure your passport fee has been successfully paid.

4. Keep the original passport token safely after completing the application.

5. Provide a valid mobile number during the application process for status notifications.

6. Wait for the passport to complete production and processing.

7. Monitor the passport status through the official status-intimation service.

8. Use SMS service 9988 inside Pakistan where applicable.

9. Check whether your passport has been dispatched from the production facility.

10. Remember that shipment from production to the RPO can require additional time.

11. Wait until the passport reaches the relevant delivery location.

12. Check the collection date given by the passport office.

13. Identify the Regional Passport Office associated with your application.

14. Check the office's current public-dealing or delivery timings.

15. Keep the original token ready.

16. Take your original CNIC or applicable identification.

17. If you will collect the passport yourself, plan your visit to the Passport Delivery counter.

18. If you cannot attend personally, identify an eligible blood relative.

19. Do not automatically send a friend or unrelated person.

20. If another relative will collect the passport, make sure they carry their original identification.

21. Take evidence of the family relationship if the office requests it.

22. Visit the relevant passport office on the given collection date.

23. Go to the Passport Delivery counter.

24. Present the original token to the passport official.

25. Provide identification if requested.

26. If a blood relative is collecting the passport, allow the official to verify the relationship if required.

27. Follow the instructions of the passport-office staff.

28. Receive the passport after the official completes the required verification.

29. Check the passport immediately after receiving it.

30. Verify your full name and other personal information.

31. Check your photograph.

32. Check the passport number.

33. Check the date of issue and date of expiry.

34. If an error is found, contact the relevant DGI&P office promptly.

35. Store the passport safely after collection.

36. If the passport has not reached the office, check the status before making another visit.

37. If the passport remains delayed, contact the relevant passport office or DGI&P.

38. For application-tracking questions, use the official DGI&P application-tracking contact channel.

39. For policy-related questions, use the official DGI&P passport-policy contact channel.

40. For future passport applications, check the latest DGI&P collection rules again.