Pakistan Passport Office Services – What Can You Get Done There?

A Pakistani passport is an essential travel document for citizens who want to travel internationally. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), Ministry of Interior, provides passport services through Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), Executive Passport Offices (EPOs), Passport Processing Counters (PPCs), and other designated facilities.

Many applicants know where to apply for a passport but are less familiar with the full range of services available through the passport office. A passport office is not only for getting a first passport. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for a new passport, renew an existing passport, modify certain particulars, replace a lost or damaged passport, obtain a fresh passport after exhausting its pages, and access other passport-related services.

DGI&P also provides online passport renewal for eligible inland and overseas Pakistanis. Therefore, in some cases, an applicant may not need to visit a passport office at all.

This guide explains what you can get done at a Pakistani passport office, which services normally require a physical visit, what documents may be needed, how the application process works, what happens after submission, and what you should check before visiting.

What Is a Pakistan Passport Office?

A passport office is a government facility operating under DGI&P where eligible Pakistani citizens can complete passport-related applications and processing.

DGI&P's passport network includes several types of facilities, including:

• Regional Passport Offices (RPOs)

• Executive Passport Offices (EPOs)

• Passport Processing Counters (PPCs)

• Selected NADRA Mega Centers and other designated facilities

The DGI&P zones list facilities across Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

The exact services and operating arrangements can vary by facility, so applicants should verify the selected office before travelling.

What Services Can You Get at a Passport Office?

The major passport-related services include:

1. New passport application

2. Passport renewal

3. Passport modification or change of particulars

4. Replacement of a lost passport

5. Replacement of a damaged passport

6. Fresh passport after passport pages are exhausted

7. Ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP) services

8. e-Passport services

9. Passport services for minors

10. Passport services for dual nationals

11. Certain special-case passport applications subject to additional requirements

DGI&P's published requirements specifically address renewal, modification, lost passports, damaged passports and exhausted pages.

1. Applying for a New Pakistani Passport

One of the most common services is applying for a passport for the first time.

A Pakistani citizen who does not already have a passport can apply through the applicable passport-office process. The applicant normally goes through photograph capture, token issuance, biometrics, data entry, verification, interview/decision and fee payment before the passport enters the production and delivery process.

For an adult applicant, the general requirements include the original valid CNIC or NICOP and a photocopy.

Applicants should review the current DGI&P requirements before visiting because special circumstances can require additional documents.

2. Passport Renewal

Passport renewal is another major service provided through the passport system.

DGI&P states that there is no restriction under the Passport & Visa Manual 2006 on renewing a passport before its expiry. A new passport with full five- or ten-year validity may be issued even when the existing passport has not yet completed its validity, although the applicant may be asked to state the reason for obtaining a new passport before expiry.

Applicants should take their existing passport and the required identity documents when applying through the applicable physical process.

Can You Renew Online?

Yes, eligible applicants can use DGI&P's online passport renewal service.

DGI&P states that online passport renewal is available for both inland and overseas Pakistanis.

Whether an applicant qualifies for online processing depends on the applicable online-service requirements.

3. Passport Modification or Change of Particulars

A passport office can also process certain changes to passport particulars.

Examples include changes involving:

• Name

• Father's name

• Date of birth

• Other relevant particulars

However, DGI&P states that the applicant must first revise or modify the CNIC/NICOP where necessary before applying for the corresponding passport change.

This is important because the passport should be based on the applicant's valid identity information.

Cases involving simultaneous changes to name, father's name and date of birth may be referred by the Regional Passport Office or Foreign Mission to DGI&P in Islamabad for approval.

4. Replacement of a Lost Passport

If your Pakistani passport has been lost, the passport office can process a replacement subject to the applicable requirements.

A police report is required in applicable lost-passport cases, and DGI&P states that the report should mention the previous passport number.

Loss of a passport is treated differently from ordinary renewal because the authorities need to record and verify the circumstances.

DGI&P also has specific rules for repeated passport losses. Third-time loss cases are referred by Regional Passport Offices to DGI&P in Islamabad for further advice or approval.

Applicants should therefore not treat a lost passport as a simple renewal.

5. Replacement of a Damaged Passport

A damaged passport can also be replaced.

DGI&P states that a passport against a damaged passport is issued subject to submission of the prescribed fee and required documents.

If your passport has been physically damaged, do not assume that you should continue using it until your next normal renewal date. Check with DGI&P about the appropriate replacement procedure.

6. Passport Replacement When Pages Are Exhausted

Frequent international travellers can eventually use all available passport pages.

DGI&P allows an applicant whose passport pages are exhausted to apply for a fresh passport. The applicant can choose from the available page categories according to requirements and pay the applicable fee.

The current ordinary passport categories listed by DGI&P include:

• 36 pages

• 72 pages

• 100 pages

The fee varies according to the number of pages, validity period and normal or urgent priority.

For frequent travellers, selecting a higher-page passport may be useful because it provides additional space for visas and immigration stamps.

7. e-Passport Services

Pakistan also provides e-Passport services.

DGI&P states that the e-Passport issuance facility has been available from all field offices across the country since 16 August 2023.

The official e-Passport fee structure includes different charges according to:

• Number of pages

• Five-year or ten-year validity

• Normal or urgent priority

DGI&P currently lists 36-page and 72-page ordinary e-Passport categories with separate normal and urgent fees. Fast Track delivery is not available for e-Passport according to the published information.

Applicants should always verify the latest fee schedule before payment.

8. Passport Services for Children and Minors

Passport offices also process passports for children.

A separate passport is issued to each applicant regardless of age. DGI&P states that endorsements such as adding children's names to a parent's Machine Readable Passport are not permitted.

For minors, the required documents depend on age and circumstances.

DGI&P's general requirements include relevant identity documents such as CRC/B-Form or Juvenile Card, depending on the child's age, along with applicable documents of the parents or legal guardian.

Special documentation can also apply in cases involving:

• Divorce or separation

• Custody arrangements

• Legal guardianship

• Death of a parent

• Dual nationality

Parents should therefore check the exact requirements before taking a child to the passport office.

9. Passport Services for Dual Nationals

Dual nationals can also obtain Pakistani passport services subject to applicable requirements.

DGI&P states that applicants holding dual nationality should bring their foreign passport in original along with a photocopy and declare the foreign nationality in the passport declaration form.

Applicants should make sure that their Pakistani identity documents and foreign passport information are consistent with the applicable requirements.

10. Passport Services for Government Employees

Government employees, Armed Forces personnel and employees of certain autonomous bodies or corporations may have additional requirements.

DGI&P's general guidelines state that officers and officials of government departments, Armed Forces, autonomous bodies and corporations are required to submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their department for passport issuance.

The exact requirements can depend on the applicant's employment category.

Therefore, government employees should confirm the NOC requirement before visiting the passport office.

11. Ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP)

Passport offices continue to provide ordinary Machine Readable Passport services.

DGI&P's current fee information lists MRP categories based on:

• 36, 72 or 100 pages

• Five-year or ten-year validity

• Normal or urgent processing

The current published MRP fees are subject to government revision, so applicants should verify the latest official fee schedule before payment.

12. Passport Delivery and Collection

A passport office is also involved in passport delivery after successful processing.

DGI&P currently states that passports are delivered after:

• Four working days for urgent applications

• Ten working days for normal applications

The published processing period relates to the production/delivery process, and DGI&P notes that shipment to the relevant RPO or Foreign Mission can take additional time.

The passport is delivered only to the applicant or the applicant's blood relative on the given date according to DGI&P's general guidelines.

Applicants should keep their original token or required collection document safely until passport collection.

13. Passport Application Status

Applicants can also track or receive information about their passport status.

DGI&P states that applicants can provide a valid mobile number or email address during data entry to receive passport status information.

For applicants inside Pakistan, SMS status information is provided through 9988. Overseas Pakistanis can receive information through the Email Rabta service when the correct contact details have been provided.

This makes it important to provide an accurate mobile number or email address during the application process.

14. Biometric Verification

Biometric verification is an important part of the physical passport application process.

According to DGI&P's published process, the biometric stage captures:

• Right thumb

• Right index finger

• Left thumb

• Left index finger

The applicant reaches the biometric counter after receiving the QR-code token and waits for the token number to be called.

15. Photograph Capture

Passport offices also capture the applicant's photograph as part of the application process.

The photograph and token stage comes near the beginning of the physical application process.

Applicants should follow the instructions of the passport-office staff regarding photography and appearance requirements.

16. Data Entry and Information Verification

Data entry is one of the most important stages of the passport application.

DGI&P states that the applicant's information is entered into the system and that the applicant can see the data-entry screen.

After data entry, a form is printed and presented to the applicant for checking and verification.

Applicants should carefully check:

• Name

• Father's/husband's/guardian's name where applicable

• Date of birth

• CNIC/NICOP/CRC number

• Other personal details

If there is an error, it should be reported immediately.

DGI&P warns that once the information is saved, correcting it can require cancellation of the token and repeating the subsequent process. After the Assistant Director gives the "go ahead", changes can no longer be made at that stage.

17. Verification Against Official Records

Passport applications go through record verification.

DGI&P's published process includes verification against relevant office records, including Exit Control List (ECL) and Black List checks.

If an applicant is subject to a relevant restriction, the passport process can be stopped according to the applicable rules and procedures.

This is one reason why the passport process may sometimes require additional verification.

18. Interview and Decision by the Assistant Director

The passport process includes an interview and decision stage.

The Assistant Director or officer in charge reviews the applicant and relevant documents.

DGI&P states that the officer may request additional documents or, where necessary, refer a case for security-agency determination of national status.

Therefore, applicants should bring the required original documents and be prepared to provide additional evidence if officially requested.

19. Fee Payment at the Passport Office Process

The passport application process includes payment of the applicable passport fee.

DGI&P's current process states that after generation of the QR-based passport token, applicants can pay the passport fee by scanning the QR code through digital payment platforms such as EasyPaisa, JazzCash or online banking.

Applicants should follow the payment instructions displayed by the official system at the time of application.

20. Applying From Another City

Another important service-related issue is passport-office jurisdiction.

DGI&P states that, under the revised provisions of Passport Rule 6, 2021, every Pakistani citizen may apply for passport services from any passport office regardless of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

This means that you are not generally restricted to the passport office located in your home district.

For example, a person from one district can apply at an appropriate passport office in another city if that office provides the required service.

RPO, EPO and PPC – What Is the Difference?

The passport network contains several types of facilities.

Regional Passport Office

An RPO is a standard Regional Passport Office. DGI&P operates RPOs throughout Pakistan.

Executive Passport Office

An EPO is an Executive Passport Office. DGI&P separately lists EPOs in cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Multan, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta.

Passport Processing Counter

A PPC is a Passport Processing Counter, including counters operating at selected NADRA facilities.

The available services can depend on the specific facility, so applicants should check before travelling.

What Services Are Not Simply Available to Everyone?

Although passport offices provide many services, not every request can be completed simply by visiting a counter.

For example, certain changes to personal information require the applicant to update CNIC/NICOP information first.

Similarly, lost passports require additional documentation, and repeated passport losses can be referred to DGI&P in Islamabad.

Cases involving minors, guardianship, custody, dual nationality or questions concerning nationality can also require additional documentation or verification.

Therefore, the passport office should not be treated as a place where every passport problem is automatically resolved on the same visit.

Passport Office Timings

DGI&P currently publishes general public-dealing hours for RPOs, EPOs and PPCs as:

Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

The published general schedule includes a prayer/lunch break from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Applicants are advised to follow the applicable token issuance and public-dealing timings. DGI&P offices are generally closed on public holidays.

However, selected RPOs and NADRA Mega Centers have extended or 24/7 passport-processing services.

Current 24/7 facilities listed by DGI&P include selected locations in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, while extended shifts are listed for places including Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad and Quetta.

Applicants should verify the exact office and shift before visiting.

How Much Does Passport Service Cost?

There is no single passport-office fee.

The amount depends on factors such as:

• Passport type

• Number of pages

• Validity period

• Normal or urgent priority

• Applicable service category

For example, DGI&P currently lists different MRP and e-Passport fees for 36-page, 72-page and 100-page categories where applicable.

EPOs and PPCs may also have additional NADRA service charges separate from the prescribed passport fee.

Because government fees can change, applicants should check the latest official fee schedule before paying.

What Should You Take to the Passport Office?

The documents depend on the service.

For a standard adult application, the general requirements include:

• Original valid CNIC/NICOP

• Photocopy of the identity document

• Previous passport, where applicable

Additional documents may apply to:

• Minors

• Government employees

• Dual nationals

• Lost passports

• Damaged passports

• Modification cases

• Guardianship cases

• Custody/separation cases

DGI&P's official requirements should always be checked for the exact circumstances of the applicant.

Can Everything Be Done Online?

No.

DGI&P provides online passport renewal for eligible inland and overseas Pakistanis, but its published process also provides for physical applications at passport offices for new, renewal and modification cases.

The availability of an online service depends on the applicant and the particular transaction.

If your case involves a special circumstance, modification or other issue, check whether an in-person visit is required.

What Happens During a Normal Passport Office Visit?

A typical physical application follows these stages:

1. Arrival at customer service.

2. Initial document guidance.

3. Photograph capture.

4. QR-code token issuance.

5. Biometric fingerprint capture.

6. Data entry.

7. Applicant verification of entered information.

8. ECL/BL and relevant record verification.

9. Interview and decision.

10. Fee payment.

11. Passport production.

12. Passport delivery or collection.

DGI&P publishes these stages as its passport application process.

How to Avoid Delays

Before visiting a passport office:

Check Your Identity Document

Make sure your CNIC, NICOP or other applicable identity document is valid and that the information you want to appear on your passport is correct.

Check the Documents

Do not rely on a generic checklist if you have a special case.

Check the Fee

Confirm the current official fee before payment.

Check the Office

Verify the address and whether the selected facility provides your required service.

Check the Timings

Do not assume every office has the same schedule. Some facilities have extended or 24/7 services while others follow general hours.

Check Your Application Data

At the data-entry stage, carefully verify every detail before signing or approving the information. This is one of the most important steps in the process.

Final Takeaway

A Pakistani passport office provides much more than first-time passport issuance.

Depending on your circumstances and the facility, you may be able to use the passport system for:

• New passports

• Passport renewal

• Passport modification

• Name and other particulars changes

• Lost-passport replacement

• Damaged-passport replacement

• Replacement after pages are exhausted

• MRP services

• e-Passport services

• Minor passport applications

• Dual-national passport applications

• Passport delivery and collection

• Application-status services

DGI&P also allows eligible applicants to renew passports online, while its physical application process covers new, renewal and modification cases.

The most important practical rule is to check your exact situation before visiting. Documents, fees, available services, office timings and special-case procedures can vary or change.

For the latest information, applicants should verify the relevant details directly with the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports before making a payment or travelling to a passport office.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Identify the passport service you need.

2. Decide whether you need a new passport, renewal or replacement.

3. Check whether your passport requires modification.

4. Review the latest DGI&P requirements.

5. Check whether your particular service is available online.

6. If necessary, select a physical passport office.

7. Determine whether an RPO, EPO or PPC is appropriate.

8. Check the official DGI&P office directory.

9. Confirm the current address of the selected office.

10. Check the office's public-dealing hours.

11. Check whether the office has extended or 24/7 processing.

12. Review the documents required for your application type.

13. Check that your CNIC/NICOP/CRC information is valid.

14. Prepare the original identity document.

15. Prepare required photocopies.

16. Locate your previous passport if applying for renewal.

17. Prepare an NOC if your employment category requires one.

18. Prepare the foreign passport if you are a dual national.

19. Obtain a police report if applying for an applicable lost-passport case.

20. Prepare supporting documents for a minor application.

21. Prepare custody or guardianship documents if applicable.

22. Check the latest official passport fee.

23. Check any applicable EPO/PPC additional service charges.

24. Follow the current official payment instructions.

25. Visit the passport office if an in-person application is required.

26. Approach the customer service counter.

27. Present your documents for initial checking.

28. Complete photograph capture.

29. Receive the QR-code token.

30. Check the application type and priority shown on the token.

31. Report any discrepancy immediately.

32. Complete biometric fingerprint capture.

33. Proceed to the data-entry counter when your token is called.

34. Provide an accurate mobile number or email address.

35. Review the information entered by the passport official.

36. Check your name and other personal details carefully.

37. Check your CNIC/NICOP/CRC number.

38. Sign or verify the data-entry form as required.

39. Complete ECL/BL and relevant record verification.

40. Attend the Assistant Director or officer-in-charge interview.

41. Provide additional documents if officially requested.

42. Complete any required national-status or security verification.

43. Complete the applicable passport fee payment.

44. Keep your token and payment/application information safely.

45. Wait for passport production according to the applicable priority.

46. Monitor passport status through SMS 9988 or the applicable official service.

47. Visit the delivery counter on the given date when required.

48. Bring the original token or required collection document.

49. Collect the passport yourself or through an eligible blood relative according to DGI&P rules.

50. Check the passport details immediately after receiving it.

51. Report any apparent error through the appropriate official channel.

52. Keep the passport safely for future travel.

53. Check the passport expiry before planning international travel.

54. Verify visa and destination-country passport-validity requirements separately.

55. Check the latest DGI&P information before applying again because fees, services and procedures may change.