Pakistani Passport for Senior Citizens – Requirements and Procedure

Getting a Pakistani passport is important for senior citizens who plan to travel abroad for family visits, religious travel, medical treatment, business, tourism, or other personal reasons. The passport application process for an older Pakistani citizen is generally based on the same adult passport requirements used for other citizens aged 18 and above.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), Ministry of Interior, issues ordinary Pakistani passports to eligible Pakistani citizens. The official requirements for applicants aged 18 and above include a valid original CNIC/NICOP, the previous passport where applicable, and additional documents in specific circumstances such as government employment, dual nationality, or a lost passport.

Senior citizens should prepare their documents carefully before visiting a Regional Passport Office (RPO). This can help reduce delays and avoid the need to make multiple visits.

Who Can Apply for a Pakistani Passport as a Senior Citizen?

A Pakistani citizen who meets the applicable passport requirements can apply for an ordinary passport regardless of being elderly. DGI&P's general adult requirements apply to applicants aged 18 and above. The official passport information also lists a dedicated Senior Citizen Branch at the Regional Passport Office in G-10/4, Islamabad.

Being a senior citizen does not by itself remove the normal identity, biometric, verification, or passport-processing requirements. Applicants should therefore make sure that their CNIC or NICOP information is valid and matches the information they want to use on the passport.

Senior citizens may apply for a passport for the first time or apply for renewal, subject to the relevant requirements.

First-Time Passport for a Senior Citizen

A senior citizen who has never previously obtained a Pakistani passport can apply through the applicable passport office.

For an adult applicant, the basic requirement is an original valid CNIC/NICOP together with a photocopy. If the person has never had a passport, there will naturally be no previous passport to submit.

The applicant normally goes through the passport office process, which includes photograph capture, token issuance, biometric verification, data entry, record verification, interview/decision, fee payment and passport delivery.

If there is any uncertainty about nationality, identity, date of birth or other information, the passport authority may request additional supporting documents.

Passport Renewal for Senior Citizens

A senior citizen whose Pakistani passport has expired or who needs a new passport can apply for renewal.

DGI&P states that there is no restriction on renewing a passport before its expiry. A full-validity passport of five or ten years may be issued even when the existing passport has not yet completed its validity, although a statement explaining the reason for obtaining a new passport before expiry may be requested.

For renewal at a passport office, the applicant should generally bring the original valid CNIC/NICOP and previous passport along with photocopies.

Pakistanis living abroad can also use the DGI&P online passport renewal facility for eligible renewal cases.

Requirements for Senior Citizens

For a Pakistani citizen aged 18 or above, DGI&P lists the following main documents:

• Original valid CNIC or NICOP

• Photocopy of CNIC or NICOP

• Previous passport in original and photocopy, if one was issued

• NOC where applicable for government, semi-government or autonomous-body employees

• Foreign passport in original and photocopy for dual nationals

• Police report mentioning the previous passport number if the passport has been lost

The exact documents can depend on the applicant's circumstances. For example, a person applying for renewal will have a previous passport, while a first-time applicant will not.

Is There a Special Passport for Senior Citizens?

A senior citizen does not receive a separate ordinary passport simply because of age. DGI&P states that a separate passport is issued to every applicant irrespective of age.

However, DGI&P currently lists a Senior Citizen Branch at the RPO G-10/4 in Islamabad. The official site lists this office among locations providing 24/7 passport processing services.

Applicants should check directly with the relevant office regarding the current availability of any senior-citizen facilitation arrangements before travelling.

CNIC or NICOP Must Be Valid

A valid identity document is one of the most important requirements.

For an adult Pakistani passport applicant, DGI&P requires the original valid CNIC/NICOP and a photocopy.

If the CNIC or NICOP contains incorrect information, the applicant may need to have the identity record corrected before proceeding with the passport application.

This is particularly important for senior citizens if there are differences in spelling, date of birth, father's or husband's name, or other identity particulars.

What If the Senior Citizen Has an Old Passport?

If the applicant previously had a passport, the previous passport should be taken to the passport office in original together with a photocopy. This applies to normal adult passport applications and renewals.

The old passport can help the authorities verify the applicant's previous passport record.

The applicant should not discard an old passport simply because it has expired. It should be retained and presented when required.

What If the Passport Has Been Lost?

A senior citizen whose previous passport has been lost should report the loss to the police.

DGI&P requires a police report mentioning the previous passport number for a lost passport case.

Applicants should therefore obtain the required police report before visiting the passport office and keep the original and copies of relevant documents.

Lost-passport cases can involve different fees and procedures from ordinary renewal cases, so the applicant should confirm the applicable charges and requirements with DGI&P.

Passport Fees for Senior Citizens

DGI&P's published ordinary Machine Readable Passport (MRP) fee schedule does not list a separate senior-citizen fee category. Therefore, applicants should use the applicable passport fee according to passport type, number of pages, validity period and processing priority.

According to the currently published DGI&P fee schedule, ordinary MRP fees include:

• 36 pages, 5 years: Rs. 4,500 normal / Rs. 7,500 urgent

• 36 pages, 10 years: Rs. 6,700 normal / Rs. 11,200 urgent

• 72 pages, 5 years: Rs. 8,200 normal / Rs. 13,500 urgent

• 72 pages, 10 years: Rs. 12,400 normal / Rs. 20,200 urgent

• 100 pages, 5 years: Rs. 9,000 normal / Rs. 18,000 urgent

• 100 pages, 10 years: Rs. 13,500 normal / Rs. 27,000 urgent

DGI&P also publishes separate e-Passport and Fast Track fee schedules. Fees can be changed by the government, so applicants should verify the amount immediately before payment.

Additional service charges may apply at Executive Passport Offices (EPOs) and Passport Processing Counters (PPCs), according to DGI&P.

E-Passport for Senior Citizens

Eligible senior citizens can also apply for an e-Passport.

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

The currently published ordinary e-Passport fees include:

• 36 pages, 5 years: Rs. 9,000 normal / Rs. 15,000 urgent

• 36 pages, 10 years: Rs. 13,500 normal / Rs. 22,500 urgent

• 72 pages, 5 years: Rs. 16,500 normal / Rs. 27,000 urgent

• 72 pages, 10 years: Rs. 24,750 normal / Rs. 40,500 urgent

DGI&P notes that Fast Track service is not available for e-Passport delivery.

Passport Validity for Senior Citizens

For adult applicants, Pakistani passports can be issued with five-year or ten-year validity. The special five-year-only restriction mentioned by DGI&P applies to children under 15 years of age, not adult senior citizens.

Therefore, an eligible senior citizen can generally select a five-year or ten-year validity period according to the applicable passport category and fee.

Passport Processing Time

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

• Fast Track: 2 working days

• Urgent: 5 working days

• Normal: 21 working days

The stated period does not include courier delivery time, particularly for remote areas and Pakistani missions abroad.

Applicants should also understand that processing time can depend on successful completion of verification and whether the application requires additional documents or further review.

Passport Application Procedure for Senior Citizens

The passport office process consists of several stages.

First, the applicant arrives at the customer service counter with the required documents. The applicant is guided through the process and directed toward the token counter.

The applicant's photograph is then captured and a QR-code-based token is issued.

Next, biometric fingerprints are captured. DGI&P's process describes the capture of the right thumb, right index finger, left thumb and left index finger impressions.

The applicant then proceeds to data entry. The entered information is displayed to the applicant for checking.

The application is subsequently checked against relevant records, including ECL/BL verification where applicable.

The applicant then appears before the Assistant Director or Officer In-charge for interview and decision.

After approval, the passport fee is paid through the prescribed payment mechanism. DGI&P's current process describes QR-based payment using digital payment platforms such as EasyPaisa, JazzCash and online banking.

Finally, the passport is delivered on the designated date.

Why Senior Citizens Should Carefully Check Data

Older applicants should pay particular attention to the information entered by the passport office.

Names, father's or husband's name, date of birth, CNIC number and other particulars should be checked carefully before the data is finalized.

DGI&P specifically states that changes should be pointed out during the data-entry stage. Once information has been saved, changing it may require cancellation of the token and repeating the process. After the Assistant Director has allowed the case to proceed, changes may no longer be possible through that stage.

This makes careful verification especially important.

Can a Senior Citizen Apply at Any Passport Office?

DGI&P currently states that every Pakistani citizen may obtain passport services from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded on the CNIC, NICOP or CRC, under the revised provisions referred to on its official website.

This can be useful for elderly applicants who are staying with children or relatives in another city.

However, applicants should confirm the latest office-specific arrangements before visiting.

Senior Citizen Passport Office in Islamabad

DGI&P currently identifies the RPO G-10/4 in Islamabad as the Senior Citizen Branch and lists it among the locations providing 24/7 passport processing services.

The official Regional Passport Office listing gives the address as:

Regional Passport Office, I & T Centre, Plot Number 18, Sector G-10/4, Islamabad.

The listed telephone number is 051-9239308.

The existence of this branch does not mean that senior citizens in other cities must travel to Islamabad. DGI&P lists passport offices and processing facilities in many cities.

Passport Offices in Punjab

DGI&P lists passport facilities in various Punjab locations, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Jhang, among others.

For example, the official listing gives the Faisalabad Regional Passport Office address as Jail Road, opposite Allied Hospital, adjacent to WASA, Faisalabad, with telephone number 041-9210129.

Applicants should check the official DGI&P office directory for the latest address, telephone number and operating arrangements before visiting.

Can Someone Else Apply on Behalf of a Senior Citizen?

Passport applications normally require the applicant to go through the prescribed passport-office process, including photograph capture and biometric verification. DGI&P's process specifically requires the applicant to appear for these stages.

Therefore, a family member cannot simply complete the ordinary in-person application process in place of a senior citizen.

Where an applicant has a special circumstance affecting their ability to appear, the family should contact DGI&P or the relevant passport office for guidance rather than assuming that a representative can complete the process.

Online Passport Renewal

DGI&P provides an online passport renewal service for inland and overseas Pakistanis for eligible cases.

This may be useful for eligible senior citizens who qualify for online renewal and want to avoid an in-person visit.

However, online service eligibility depends on the category and circumstances of the application. A senior citizen should review the current requirements on the official DGI&P online passport portal before starting an application.

Important Tips for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens and their families can make the process easier by preparing documents before visiting the passport office.

Keep the original CNIC/NICOP and previous passport safely in a folder.

Carry photocopies of the required documents.

If the passport was lost, obtain the required police report.

If the applicant is a dual national, carry the foreign passport.

If the applicant is a government, semi-government or autonomous-body employee, check whether an NOC is required.

Take particular care when checking the data-entry form.

Provide an active mobile number or email address where appropriate so that passport-status notifications can be received.

Choose the passport validity and page category according to actual travel requirements.

Check the latest official fee before payment.

Avoid relying on old fee information from social media or unofficial websites.

Conclusion

A senior citizen who is a Pakistani national can apply for an ordinary Pakistani passport by fulfilling the applicable adult passport requirements. The core documents generally include a valid CNIC/NICOP and, where applicable, the previous passport. Special documentation may be required for lost passports, dual nationality, government employment or cases involving identity or nationality questions.

DGI&P currently lists a Senior Citizen Branch at the G-10/4 Regional Passport Office in Islamabad, while passport services are also available through offices and processing facilities in many other cities.

Because passport fees, office arrangements and procedures can change, applicants should always verify the latest information through the official Directorate General of Immigration & Passports website before submitting an application or paying a fee.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that the applicant is a Pakistani citizen.

2. Confirm that the applicant has a valid CNIC or NICOP.

3. Decide whether the application is for a first passport or renewal.

4. Check whether the previous passport is available.

5. If the previous passport was lost, report the loss to the police.

6. Obtain the required police report for a lost passport case.

7. Check whether the applicant holds dual nationality.

8. Prepare the foreign passport if the applicant is a dual national.

9. Check whether an NOC is required because of government employment.

10. Obtain the NOC where applicable.

11. Make photocopies of the required identity documents.

12. Keep the original CNIC/NICOP ready for verification.

13. Keep the previous passport ready if applying for renewal.

14. Check the latest DGI&P passport fee schedule.

15. Select the desired passport page category.

16. Select five-year or ten-year validity where applicable.

17. Select Normal, Urgent or Fast Track where available.

18. Check whether an e-Passport is suitable for the applicant.

19. Locate the appropriate Regional Passport Office or passport facility.

20. Check the latest office address and working hours before travelling.

21. Visit the passport office with the applicant and required documents.

22. Approach the customer service counter.

23. Follow the instructions given by the passport-office staff.

24. Have the applicant's photograph captured.

25. Obtain the QR-code-based token.

26. Check the token details carefully.

27. Proceed for biometric fingerprint capture.

28. Complete the data-entry stage.

29. Carefully review the printed data-entry information.

30. Report any spelling, identity or other data error immediately.

31. Complete the applicable record verification.

32. Appear before the Assistant Director or Officer In-charge when called.

33. Answer questions concerning the passport application where required.

34. Provide additional documents if officially requested.

35. Complete the passport-fee payment through the prescribed method.

36. Keep the payment confirmation and passport token safely.

37. Provide a valid mobile number or email where applicable for status notifications.

38. Monitor passport status through the available official channels.

39. Wait for the passport to reach the designated delivery office.

40. Visit the delivery counter on the specified date.

41. Bring the original token when collecting the passport.

42. Collect the passport personally or through a permitted blood relative according to DGI&P rules.

43. Check the newly issued passport carefully after receiving it.

44. Verify the name and other personal information.

45. Keep the passport in a safe and dry place.

46. Do not rely on unofficial websites for future fee or procedure changes.

47. Check DGI&P before future travel if passport rules or fees have changed.

48. Keep sufficient passport validity before planning international travel.

49. Contact DGI&P if an unusual or complicated passport case requires clarification.

50. Retain copies of important passport and identity documents for personal records.