How to Get a Pakistani Passport From Another City

If you are a Pakistani citizen and currently living, working, studying, or staying in a city different from the one shown on your CNIC, you may be able to apply for your passport from the city where you are currently located.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan, currently states that every Pakistani citizen may apply for passport services from any passport office, regardless of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC. This makes it possible to use a passport office in another city without first changing your permanent address on your CNIC.

For example, if your CNIC address is in Multan but you are currently staying in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi or another city, the current DGI&P policy allows you to apply for passport services from a passport office in that city.

However, you should still check the exact office, service category, fee and current working arrangements before travelling because passport office services, timings and facilities can differ between locations.

Can You Apply for a Pakistani Passport From Another City?

Yes. Under the current DGI&P public guidance, Pakistani citizens can obtain passport services from any passport office in Pakistan irrespective of the address recorded on their CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

This is particularly useful for people who:

• Work in another city

• Study in another city

• Temporarily live away from their home district

• Have moved to another city but have not changed their CNIC address

• Are travelling or staying with relatives

• Need urgent passport processing while away from their home city

• Want to use a passport office that is more convenient

You therefore do not generally need to travel back to your home district simply because your CNIC carries an address from that district.

Example of Applying From Another City

Suppose your permanent CNIC address is in Jhang but you are currently working in Multan.

Under the current DGI&P policy, you can visit a passport office in Multan and apply for the relevant passport service. Your CNIC address does not by itself prevent you from using the Multan passport office.

Similarly, a person whose CNIC address is in Bahawalpur may apply from Lahore, while someone whose CNIC address is in Multan may use an office in Islamabad, subject to the applicable passport service and office arrangements.

The important point is that passport-office jurisdiction is no longer restricted solely by the address printed on your CNIC under the current public-facing DGI&P policy.

Which Passport Services Can You Get From Another City?

The DGI&P provides several passport-related services through its offices. Depending on your circumstances, these can include:

• First-time passport issuance

• Passport renewal

• Modification or change of particulars

• Replacement for damaged passports

• Replacement after loss

• Passport issuance where pages are exhausted

• Ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP)

• Ordinary e-Passport services

The exact documents required depend on the service and the applicant's circumstances.

For example, a first-time adult applicant has different requirements from a person renewing an existing passport, while a minor has additional requirements involving parents or a legal guardian.

Do You Need to Change Your CNIC Address First?

Generally, no.

If your only reason for wanting to apply in another city is that you are currently living or working there, you do not normally need to change the address on your CNIC simply to use that city's passport office.

The current DGI&P guidance specifically says that passport services can be obtained from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

However, this should not be confused with changing your official identity information.

If your name, father's name, date of birth or another CNIC-related detail has changed, DGI&P states that the relevant CNIC/NICOP should first be revised or modified before applying for passport modification.

Documents Required for an Adult

For an applicant aged 18 or above, DGI&P lists the following basic documents for normal or urgent passport applications:

• Original valid CNIC or NICOP

• Photocopy of the CNIC or NICOP

• Previous passport in original, if one was issued

• Photocopy of the previous passport, if applicable

• NOC from the concerned department where required for government, semi-government or autonomous-body employees

• Foreign passport and photocopy for dual nationals

• Police report mentioning the previous passport number in cases involving a lost passport

Additional documents can be required depending on the circumstances of the application.

It is therefore advisable to check the DGI&P requirements for your specific category before travelling to another city.

Requirements for Children

Children have additional requirements.

DGI&P states that minors aged 10 and above should provide either an updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph or a Juvenile Card, along with a photocopy.

For children below 10, the relevant CRC/Form B or FRC requirements apply as specified by DGI&P.

A minor must also be accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian, with the required original identity documents. Special documentation may be required in cases involving separated or divorced parents, custody arrangements or a deceased parent.

Parents should therefore carefully check the requirements before taking a child to a passport office in another city.

Ordinary Passport or e-Passport?

Applicants may encounter both ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and e-Passport services.

DGI&P states that e-Passport issuance is available from field offices throughout Pakistan. The e-Passport contains an electronic chip that stores relevant identity and biometric information and follows applicable ICAO standards.

The choice between an ordinary MRP and an e-Passport can affect the applicable fee and service options.

Before paying, confirm which passport category you actually require.

Pakistani Passport Fees

Passport fees depend on several factors, including:

• Passport type

• Number of pages

• Validity period

• Normal or urgent processing

• Fast Track availability

• Whether the application is submitted at an EPO/PPC where additional NADRA service charges apply

According to the current DGI&P fee information, ordinary MRP fees include the following:

DGI&P also lists Fast Track MRP fees, including Rs. 12,500 for a 36-page passport with five-year validity and Rs. 16,200 for 10-year validity. Fast Track is currently listed as available in 47 cities.

Ordinary e-Passport fees are different. DGI&P currently lists, for example, a 36-page e-Passport at Rs. 9,000 normal for five years and Rs. 15,000 urgent for five years.

Fees can be revised by the government, so applicants should verify the current amount through the official DGI&P fee information before payment.

How to Pay the Passport Fee

DGI&P provides the Passport Fee Asaan system for generating a Payment Slip Identification (PSID) and making passport-fee payments through supported payment channels.

The official Passport Fee Asaan procedure describes payment through channels including 1LINK, internet banking, ATM, JazzCash, Easypaisa and participating branches.

Before making payment:

1. Select the correct passport category.

2. Confirm the validity period.

3. Select the required number of pages.

4. Choose normal, urgent or applicable Fast Track service.

5. Check the fee.

6. Generate the applicable payment information.

7. Make the payment through an authorized channel.

8. Keep the payment confirmation or PSID information.

Avoid paying an incorrect fee simply because another applicant has paid that amount.

Passport Application Process at the Office

When applying physically at a passport office in another city, DGI&P describes a process that includes several stages.

The basic flow includes:

1. Arrival at the customer service counter

2. Photograph and token issuance

3. Fingerprint/biometric capture

4. Data entry

5. Verification against office records

6. Interview and decision by the Assistant Director

7. Fee/payment verification as applicable

8. Passport delivery or collection

DGI&P's detailed process explains that the applicant first approaches the customer service counter and is guided toward the token counter. The applicant then provides the required identity document for data capture.

Because much of the process involves biometric and identity verification, the applicant should personally visit the office when required.

What Happens After You Submit the Application?

After your information has been entered and verified, the application proceeds through the relevant processing stages.

DGI&P currently lists the following MRP processing periods after successful processing:

• Fast Track: 2 working days

• Urgent: 5 working days

• Normal: 21 working days

The stated processing period does not include additional courier time that may be required for delivery to some locations.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the passport will necessarily be physically available exactly on the final processing day.

You should also provide an accurate mobile number and/or email address during the application process where required so that you can receive status notifications.

Can You Apply for a Passport Online Instead?

Some passport services can be handled online.

DGI&P currently provides an online passport facility for passport renewal for both inland and overseas Pakistanis.

The online process involves creating an account, providing the required information and documents, completing the application and making the applicable online payment.

However, applicants should distinguish between online renewal and applying for a passport physically at a passport office.

For a first-time passport application inside Pakistan, DGI&P directs applicants to the relevant passport office and the physical application process.

Therefore, if you are applying for your first passport in Pakistan, do not assume that you can complete the entire process online simply because online renewal is available.

Can Government Employees Apply From Another City?

Yes, the current general jurisdiction statement allows citizens to apply from any passport office.

However, government, semi-government and autonomous-body employees may have an additional documentation requirement. DGI&P states that such employees are required to submit an NOC from their department for passport issuance.

If you work for a government department and plan to apply in another city, arrange the required NOC before visiting the passport office.

This can help avoid a wasted journey.

Can Students Apply From Another City?

The current DGI&P public-facing guidance permits passport services from any passport office regardless of the address on the CNIC/NICOP/CRC.

Students should nevertheless carry the identity and supporting documents applicable to their passport category and verify any special requirements before visiting.

What If Your Passport Is Lost?

A lost passport requires additional documentation.

DGI&P states that the applicant must lodge a police report and provide a report mentioning the previous passport number. Additional fees apply according to the circumstances of the loss.

If you have lost your passport while staying in another city, do not assume that the ordinary new-passport process applies. Follow the lost-passport procedure and take the required police report and identity documents.

What If Your CNIC Information Is Different?

Passport information is linked closely with identity records.

If you need to change your name, father's name, date of birth or another particular, DGI&P states that the CNIC/NICOP should first be revised or modified. The passport application can then be made using the updated identity document.

This is particularly important if you have recently changed your CNIC information but still have an old passport.

Choosing a Passport Office in Another City

When choosing an office, consider:

Distance

Select an office that is convenient for you rather than automatically travelling to your permanent district.

Available Service

Check whether the office provides the particular service you require.

Fast Track Availability

If you require Fast Track service, confirm that your selected city is among the listed Fast Track cities. DGI&P currently lists 47 cities for Fast Track MRP service.

Office Type

DGI&P operates Regional Passport Offices as well as Executive Passport Offices and Passport Processing Counters in some locations.

EPOs and PPCs can involve additional NADRA service charges in addition to the prescribed passport fee.

Working Hours

Regular passport offices generally operate Monday to Thursday and Friday during the stated public-dealing hours, while selected locations have extended or 24/7 arrangements. DGI&P specifically lists certain offices and NADRA Mega Centers with extended shifts.

Always check the current office listing before travelling.

Passport Offices in Punjab

DGI&P's current office directory lists passport facilities in many Punjab cities, including Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Jhang, Khanewal, Layyah, Vehari, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Toba Tek Singh and others.

This means that people who are temporarily away from their home districts may have multiple options.

For example, DGI&P lists the Multan Regional Passport Office near Madni Chowk on Passport Office Road, New Multan Colony.

The official office directory should be used to confirm the latest address and contact details before visiting.

Important Tips for Applying From Another City

Check the official policy first

The most important point is that the current DGI&P website allows passport services from any passport office irrespective of the CNIC address.

Carry original documents

Do not rely only on photocopies. Carry the original CNIC/NICOP and previous passport where applicable.

Take photocopies

Although the office may have facilities available, carrying required photocopies can save time.

Check your CNIC validity

Make sure your identity document is valid and that the information is correct.

Check the fee before paying

Passport fees vary by passport type, pages, validity and processing category.

Keep your payment record

Save your PSID, receipt or payment confirmation.

Give an active phone number

DGI&P provides SMS/email status notification arrangements, so accurate contact details are useful.

Check office timing

Do not assume that every passport office has the same working hours.

Check special requirements

Government employees, minors, dual nationals and lost-passport applicants can have additional requirements.

Verify before travelling

Office addresses, services, fees and operating arrangements can change. Check the official DGI&P website shortly before your visit.

Frequently Asked Practical Questions

A common misunderstanding is that the city printed on the CNIC determines where a Pakistani citizen must obtain a passport. The current DGI&P public guidance does not impose that general restriction.

Another common misunderstanding is that every passport service is available entirely online. Online renewal is available for inland and overseas Pakistanis, but physical passport-office processing remains relevant for many applications, particularly first-time applications in Pakistan.

The safest approach is to identify your exact passport category first and then check the official DGI&P requirements for that category.

Final Takeaway

If you are a Pakistani citizen living in a city different from the address shown on your CNIC, you generally do not need to return to your home city just to apply for passport services.

The current DGI&P policy states that citizens may apply from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded on their CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

Before travelling, prepare your original identity documents, previous passport if applicable, required supporting documents and the correct passport fee. Also confirm the selected office's services, address, working hours and current requirements through the official DGI&P website.

Because passport rules, fees and office arrangements can change, applicants should always verify the latest information directly with DGI&P before submitting an application.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that you are a Pakistani citizen.

2. Determine whether you need a first-time passport, renewal, modification, replacement or another service.

3. Check the current DGI&P jurisdiction policy.

4. Confirm that you can use a passport office in another city.

5. Choose a convenient passport office.

6. Check the official DGI&P office directory.

7. Confirm the exact office address.

8. Check the office's current public-dealing hours.

9. Confirm that the office provides the service you require.

10. Check whether Fast Track service is available at your selected city if needed.

11. Check whether you want an ordinary MRP or e-Passport.

12. Check your CNIC or NICOP validity.

13. Make sure your personal information is correct.

14. If your CNIC information requires correction, address that issue first.

15. Check the passport requirements for your age category.

16. Collect your original CNIC/NICOP.

17. Make photocopies of the required identity documents.

18. Take your previous passport if one was issued.

19. Take additional documents applicable to your case.

20. Obtain the required departmental NOC if you are a government, semi-government or autonomous-body employee.

21. Take the foreign passport and copy if you are a dual national.

22. Obtain the required police report if the passport has been lost.

23. For a minor, prepare the required CRC/Juvenile Card and parents' documents.

24. Check the latest passport fee.

25. Select the required passport validity.

26. Select the required number of pages.

27. Select normal, urgent or applicable Fast Track processing.

28. Generate the applicable Passport Fee Asaan payment information where required.

29. Pay the passport fee through an authorized payment channel.

30. Keep the payment confirmation or PSID record.

31. Visit the selected passport office with the applicant and required documents.

32. Approach the customer service counter.

33. Follow the instructions provided by the passport-office staff.

34. Obtain the token and QR code where applicable.

35. Complete photograph capture.

36. Complete biometric/fingerprint capture.

37. Review the personal information entered into the application.

38. Inform the official immediately if any information appears incorrect.

39. Complete the data-entry stage.

40. Complete the required verification process.

41. Attend the interview or decision stage when called.

42. Confirm the applicable payment information at the processing stage.

43. Keep the application or tracking information provided by the office.

44. Monitor passport status through the available DGI&P notification system.

45. Wait for the applicable processing period.

46. Allow additional time for courier delivery where applicable.

47. Follow the collection or delivery instructions provided by the office.

48. Collect the passport personally or through an eligible person where permitted by DGI&P.

49. Check the passport immediately after receiving it.

50. Verify your name, photograph, date of birth, father/husband/guardian information and other printed particulars.

51. Contact DGI&P promptly if you identify an error or problem.

52. Keep the passport safely and separately from unnecessary documents.

53. Before international travel, check that your passport has sufficient validity for your destination.

54. For future renewal or modification, check the latest DGI&P requirements again because procedures and fees may change.