Passport Office Jurisdiction in Pakistan – Complete Guide

If you are planning to apply for a Pakistani passport, one of the most common questions is whether you must visit the passport office located in your home district or whether you can apply from another city.

The current answer is clear: Pakistani citizens can apply for passport services from any passport office in Pakistan, regardless of the address recorded on their CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P), Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan, states under the revised provisions of Passport Rule 6, 2021 that every Pakistani citizen may apply for passport services from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded in their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Child Registration Certificate (CRC).

This is an important change for people who live, work, study or temporarily stay outside their home district.

For example, a person whose CNIC address is in Jhang can apply at a passport office in Multan. Similarly, someone whose CNIC address is in Bahawalpur can use an appropriate passport office in Lahore, Islamabad or another city.

However, the fact that you can use another passport office does not mean that every passport facility offers exactly the same services, working hours or facilities. Applicants should still check the selected office before travelling.

What Is Passport Office Jurisdiction?

Passport office jurisdiction refers to the geographical area or administrative authority associated with a particular passport office.

Historically, applicants often assumed that their passport application had to be submitted at the office corresponding to their permanent or CNIC address.

The current DGI&P rule is different.

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

Therefore, the address on your identity document does not generally determine which passport office you must use.

Simple Example

Suppose your CNIC shows:

District: Jhang

But you currently live in:

City: Multan

You do not normally have to travel to Jhang just to submit your passport application. You can use an appropriate passport office in Multan.

Likewise, a student from Bahawalpur studying in Lahore can use an authorized passport facility in Lahore.

The important consideration is the passport office and service you choose, not simply the district printed on your CNIC.

Can You Apply for a Passport Outside Your Home District?

Yes.

The current DGI&P jurisdiction policy expressly allows Pakistani citizens to apply for passport services from any passport office regardless of their recorded address.

This applies to people who may be:

• Living temporarily in another city

• Working in another district

• Studying away from home

• Running a business in another city

• Staying with relatives

• Travelling within Pakistan

• Permanently relocated but not yet changed their CNIC address

• Applying for passport services for other personal reasons

You therefore do not generally need to return to your home district simply because the address on your CNIC belongs to another district.

Does the CNIC Address Matter?

Your CNIC remains an important identity document, but its address does not generally restrict you to a particular passport office.

DGI&P specifically refers to the address recorded in:

• CNIC

• NICOP

• CRC

and states that citizens may apply from any passport office irrespective of that address.

This means there is a difference between identity information and passport-office jurisdiction.

Your CNIC establishes your identity and other personal information. It does not, under the current passport-office jurisdiction rule, force you to apply only in the district shown on the card.

Do You Need to Change Your CNIC Address First?

No, not simply because you want to apply for a passport in another city.

If your CNIC address is in one district and you are living in another city, you can generally apply at a passport office in the city where you are currently staying.

However, this should not be confused with correcting personal information.

If you want to change information such as your:

• Name

• Father's name

• Date of birth

• Other relevant particulars

DGI&P states that the CNIC/NICOP should first be revised or modified before applying for the corresponding passport modification.

So, changing your passport-office location and changing your identity information are two separate matters.

Which Passport Services Are Covered?

The current DGI&P passport system includes several services.

Depending on your circumstances, you may apply for services such as:

• New passport

• Passport renewal

• Passport modification

• Change of particulars

• Replacement of damaged passport

• Replacement after passport loss

• Passport when pages are exhausted

• Ordinary Machine Readable Passport

• Ordinary e-Passport

The exact requirements depend on the service and the applicant.

DGI&P's application process states that applicants in Pakistan generally visit a Regional Passport Office or applicable passport facility for new, renewal and modification cases. Online passport renewal is separately available for inland and overseas Pakistanis.

Can You Apply for Your First Passport From Another City?

Yes.

For a first passport application in Pakistan, DGI&P states that the applicant can visit the relevant passport office with the required documents. The current jurisdiction rule means that the applicant is not generally restricted to the passport office associated with the address on the CNIC.

An adult applicant should prepare the applicable original identity document and supporting documents before visiting the office.

The first-time application still requires the applicant to go through the prescribed passport-office process.

Can You Renew a Passport From Another City?

Yes.

Passport renewal is one of the passport services available through passport offices.

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

If you prefer to apply physically, you can use an appropriate passport office outside your home district.

This is particularly useful for people who have moved to another city for employment or education but have not changed the address on their CNIC.

Can You Apply for an e-Passport From Another City?

Yes.

DGI&P states that the e-Passport issuance facility is available from all field offices across the country.

Therefore, applicants do not generally have to return to their home district simply because they want an e-Passport.

However, the e-Passport has its own fee structure and requirements.

For example, DGI&P currently lists different fees for 36-page and 72-page e-Passports and for five-year and ten-year validity periods. Fast Track service is not available for e-Passport delivery according to the current DGI&P information.

Always check the latest official fee schedule before payment.

Regional Passport Offices, EPOs and PPCs

DGI&P operates different types of passport-service facilities.

Regional Passport Offices

Regional Passport Offices, commonly called RPOs, are major passport-service offices throughout Pakistan.

The official DGI&P office directory provides addresses and contact information for RPOs in Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and other areas.

Executive Passport Offices

Executive Passport Offices, or EPOs, are also part of the passport-service network.

DGI&P states that additional NADRA service charges are payable separately at EPOs and Passport Processing Counters in addition to the prescribed passport fee.

Passport Processing Counters

Passport Processing Counters, or PPCs, are another type of passport facility.

Before travelling, applicants should verify that the selected facility provides the exact service they require.

Does Every Passport Office Have the Same Working Hours?

No.

Office timings can differ depending on the location and type of facility.

DGI&P currently states that regular passport applications and delivery services at most RPOs, EPOs and PPCs operate:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

• Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

with a prayer/lunch break from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

However, certain locations have extended or 24/7 passport-processing arrangements.

Current 24/7 or Extended Facilities

DGI&P currently lists several locations with extended passport-processing shifts.

These include selected facilities in:

• Islamabad

• Lahore

• Karachi

• Faisalabad

• Gujranwala

• Multan

• Bahawalpur

• Peshawar

• Rawalpindi

• Hyderabad

• Quetta

Some locations have morning and evening shifts, while others operate morning, evening and night shifts.

Because office arrangements can change, applicants should check the official DGI&P information before travelling.

Passport Offices in Punjab

DGI&P's official office directory lists passport facilities throughout Punjab.

These include offices and facilities in cities such as:

• Lahore

• Multan

• Bahawalpur

• Faisalabad

• Gujranwala

• Jhang

• Khanewal

• Toba Tek Singh

• Chiniot

• Okara

• Kasur

• Narowal

• Sheikhupura

• Nankana Sahib

• Khushab

• Hafizabad

• and other locations

The official directory provides the current addresses and available contact information.

Multan Example

The DGI&P directory currently lists the Regional Passport Office in Multan near Madni Chowk, Passport Office Road, near Alfalah Market, U-Block, New Multan Colony.

It also lists additional passport facilities in the wider Multan area, including Jalalpur-Pirwala, Qadirpur Rawan, an EPO at ChenOne Tower and other listed facilities.

The availability of several facilities illustrates why applicants should check the official directory rather than relying on old addresses or unofficial information.

What Documents Are Required?

The documents depend on the applicant's age and circumstances.

Applicants Aged 18 and Above

DGI&P currently lists these basic requirements for adults:

• Original valid CNIC/NICOP

• Photocopy of CNIC/NICOP

• Previous passport in original and photocopy, if issued

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

• Foreign passport and photocopy for dual nationals

• Police report mentioning the previous passport number in case of a lost passport

Additional documentation can be requested in cases involving questions about national status or other particulars.

Applicants Under 18

DGI&P provides separate requirements for minors.

For children aged 10 or above, the current requirement includes either:

• An original updated CRC containing fingerprints and photograph, or

• A Juvenile Card

along with a photocopy.

For children below 10, DGI&P lists an original CRC/Form-B or FRC with a photocopy.

The minor must also be accompanied by a parent or legally appointed guardian according to the applicable rules.

Additional documents can be necessary where parents are separated or divorced, custody arrangements exist, a guardian has been appointed, or a parent is deceased.

Do Government Employees Need an NOC?

Yes, where applicable.

DGI&P states that officers and officials of government departments, Armed Forces, autonomous bodies and corporations are required to submit the relevant NOC from their department for passport issuance.

The NOC requirement is separate from passport-office jurisdiction.

Therefore, a government employee can generally use a passport office outside the home district, but still needs to satisfy the applicable NOC requirement.

Does Passport Office Location Affect the Passport Fee?

The prescribed passport fee is determined by factors such as:

• Passport type

• Number of pages

• Validity period

• Processing category

It is not simply determined by the applicant's home district.

However, applicants using EPOs or PPCs should remember that DGI&P states additional NADRA service charges are payable separately at those facilities.

Therefore, check both the passport fee and any applicable facility charges before payment.

What Is the Passport Application Process?

The physical passport process is designed to capture and verify the applicant's identity and biometric information.

DGI&P currently describes the process through the following stages:

1. Customer Service Counter

The applicant arrives at the passport office and approaches the customer service counter.

The applicant is guided through the process and then directed toward the token stage.

2. Photograph and Token

The applicant's photograph and basic application information are captured.

A QR-code-based token is issued.

Applicants should carefully check the information shown on the token and immediately report any discrepancy.

3. Biometrics

The applicant's fingerprints are captured.

4. Data Entry

Passport information is entered into the system.

DGI&P advises applicants to provide a valid mobile number or email address at this stage so they can receive passport-status notifications.

5. Verification

The application undergoes the applicable verification process.

DGI&P notes that applicants appearing on relevant lists such as ECL or BL can have their passport processing stopped according to the applicable rules and procedures.

6. Interview and Decision

The applicant appears before the Assistant Director or relevant officer.

The officer may request additional documents where necessary.

7. Fee Payment

The prescribed fee is processed through the applicable payment procedure.

8. Passport Delivery

After successful completion of processing, the passport is collected according to the applicable delivery procedure.

DGI&P states that the passport is delivered to the applicant or an eligible blood relative according to its rules.

Can You Apply Online Instead of Visiting an Office?

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

However, its published physical application process continues to cover new, renewal and modification cases through Regional Passport Offices or applicable passport facilities.

Therefore, applicants should first identify the exact service they need.

Online renewal availability should not be interpreted as meaning that every passport service can be completed entirely online.

Passport Office Jurisdiction and Address Changes

It is important to distinguish between:

Applying at another passport office

and

Changing your official address.

The current jurisdiction rule allows you to use another passport office without changing your CNIC address simply for that purpose.

If, however, you actually need to update your official CNIC information, that is a separate NADRA matter.

Similarly, if you want to modify your passport because your name, father's name or date of birth has changed, DGI&P requires the CNIC/NICOP to be revised or modified first.

What If Your Passport Is Lost?

Loss of a passport requires additional formalities.

DGI&P states that a police report must be lodged with the concerned police station.

The report should mention the previous lost passport number.

The applicable fee depends on the nature and number of the loss. DGI&P states that first-time loss attracts double fee and second-time loss attracts quadruple fee, while third-time loss cases in Pakistan are referred to DGI&P Islamabad for further advice or approval.

If you lose your passport while staying in another city, the general jurisdiction rule does not mean you can ignore these additional requirements.

What If Your Passport Is Damaged?

A damaged passport is treated separately from an ordinary renewal.

DGI&P states that a passport against a damaged passport can be issued subject to the prescribed fee and required documents.

You should therefore explain the circumstances to the passport office and follow the applicable damaged-passport procedure.

What If Passport Pages Are Exhausted?

Frequent travellers may eventually use all available pages.

DGI&P states that applicants whose passport pages are exhausted can apply for a fresh passport.

The applicant can choose between 36-page, 72-page and 100-page options according to their requirements, subject to the applicable fee.

Again, the application does not have to be restricted to the district shown on the applicant's CNIC under the current jurisdiction rule.

What Is the Role of DGI&P Zones?

DGI&P also maintains administrative zones containing groups of passport offices.

Its current zone information includes areas such as:

• North Punjab

• Central Punjab

• Other Punjab zones

• Sindh

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Balochistan

• AJK/GB

The zones are an administrative structure of DGI&P.

However, applicants should not interpret these administrative zones as a restriction requiring them to use only the office associated with their CNIC address.

The current public jurisdiction rule specifically allows citizens to apply from any passport office.

Why the Current Jurisdiction Rule Matters

The current policy provides greater flexibility for people who are away from their home district.

Consider these situations:

Employees

A person may permanently work in another city but retain their family address on their CNIC.

Students

A student may spend several years in another city for university.

Business Owners

A businessperson may spend most of the year in a city different from their permanent address.

Families

A family may temporarily move because of employment, education or other reasons.

Travellers

Someone may need passport services while staying away from home.

In all these situations, the ability to use another passport office can eliminate an unnecessary journey.

Important Things to Check Before Visiting

Even though jurisdiction is flexible, preparation remains important.

Check the Official Office Directory

Use DGI&P's official office directory to identify the selected facility, address and available contact information.

Check Working Hours

Do not assume every office follows the same schedule.

Check the Required Documents

Your requirements may differ depending on whether you are an adult, minor, dual national, government employee or lost-passport applicant.

Check the Fee

Verify the latest official fee before payment.

Check the Type of Service

Make sure the selected facility provides the passport service you need.

Keep Original Documents

Do not rely only on photocopies.

Check for Special Circumstances

If your case involves changes in name, date of birth, lost passport, damaged passport, custody or nationality questions, review the relevant DGI&P requirements before travelling.

Passport Office Jurisdiction vs. Passport Delivery

The location where you apply and the later delivery or collection process are related but should not be confused.

After passport production, DGI&P states that passports are dispatched toward the respective Regional Passport Office or Foreign Mission and that shipment time can be required before the passport reaches its destination.

Applicants should therefore allow sufficient time beyond the basic production period if they have an urgent travel requirement.

Passport Status Notifications

DGI&P provides a passport-status notification service through SMS/email arrangements.

Applicants can provide their valid mobile number or email address at the data-entry stage to receive status information. DGI&P currently identifies SMS status notifications through 9988 for applicants inside Pakistan.

Make sure the contact information provided during the application is correct.

Can You Use Any Passport Office Without Checking First?

The jurisdiction rule gives citizens broad freedom to apply at any passport office, but that does not mean applicants should travel without checking the selected facility.

Different offices can have different:

• Locations

• Working hours

• Service arrangements

• Extended shifts

• Facility types

• Additional charges

• Public-dealing arrangements

Therefore, the safest approach is to confirm the selected office through DGI&P's official website before visiting.

Common Misunderstanding About Passport Jurisdiction

A common misconception is:

“You must make your passport from the district written on your CNIC.”

The current DGI&P guidance does not support this as a general requirement.

Instead, the current rule explicitly states that every Pakistani citizen may apply for passport services from any passport office irrespective of the address recorded in the CNIC, NICOP or CRC.

This is the key point applicants should understand.

Final Takeaway

The current passport-office jurisdiction system in Pakistan provides significant flexibility.

You do not generally have to apply for a Pakistani passport from the district shown on your CNIC.

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

This means a person from Jhang can apply in Multan, a person from Bahawalpur can apply in Lahore, and a person from another province can use an appropriate passport office elsewhere in Pakistan.

The applicant still has to satisfy the normal passport requirements, provide the required documents, pay the applicable fee and complete the biometric and verification process.

Before visiting, check the official DGI&P office directory, current working hours, available services, fees and any special requirements applicable to your case.

Because government procedures, fees and office arrangements can change, always verify the latest information directly from DGI&P before travelling or making payment.

Guide Information

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm that you are a Pakistani citizen.

2. Identify the passport service you need.

3. Determine whether you need a new passport, renewal, modification or replacement.

4. Check the current DGI&P jurisdiction rule.

5. Confirm that you can use a passport office outside your home district.

6. Select a convenient passport office.

7. Open the official DGI&P passport-office directory.

8. Confirm the selected office's current address.

9. Check the office's current working hours.

10. Confirm that the office provides your required passport service.

11. Check whether the facility is an RPO, EPO or PPC.

12. Check whether additional facility charges may apply.

13. Check whether extended or 24/7 processing is available at the selected office.

14. Check your CNIC/NICOP validity.

15. Make sure your identity information is correct.

16. If identity particulars need correction, follow the applicable CNIC/NICOP modification process first.

17. Collect your original CNIC/NICOP.

18. Prepare the required photocopies.

19. Take your previous passport if applicable.

20. Obtain the required departmental NOC if applicable.

21. Take your foreign passport if you are a dual national.

22. Obtain a police report if your passport has been lost.

23. Prepare the required CRC/Juvenile Card for a minor.

24. Prepare parent or legal-guardian documents for a minor.

25. Check the latest official passport fee.

26. Decide between the applicable passport options.

27. Check the number of pages required.

28. Check the desired validity period.

29. Check the applicable normal or urgent service.

30. Complete the prescribed payment process.

31. Keep your payment receipt or transaction record.

32. Visit the selected passport office.

33. Carry all original documents and required copies.

34. Approach the customer service counter.

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

36. Submit your identity document for the initial application stage.

37. Complete photograph capture.

38. Receive the QR-code token.

39. Check the information printed on the token.

40. Report any error immediately.

41. Complete biometric/fingerprint capture.

42. Proceed to data entry when your token is called.

43. Review the information shown on the data-entry screen.

44. Provide a valid mobile number or email for status notifications.

45. Complete the required verification process.

46. Attend the interview and decision stage.

47. Provide additional documents if the Assistant Director requests them.

48. Complete the prescribed fee-payment stage.

49. Keep the original token and application information.

50. Monitor passport status through the available DGI&P notification service.

51. Wait for the applicable production period.

52. Allow additional shipment time where applicable.

53. Visit the passport delivery counter on the specified date when required.

54. Bring the original token for collection.

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

56. Check your name and other personal details immediately.

57. Check the photograph and passport validity.

58. Contact DGI&P promptly if you identify an error.

59. Keep the passport securely after collection.

60. Before future applications, verify the latest DGI&P rules, fees and office arrangements again.