ISLAMABAD:
The federal government has withdrawn its earlier decision to halt the issuance of Pakistani passports to individuals seeking political asylum abroad. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The meeting, which focused on the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, was attended by key officials including the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of Interior, the DG of IMPASS, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the session, DPM Dar received a detailed briefing from the Secretary of Interior and the DG of IMPASS regarding the facilitation of timely passport issuance for Pakistanis living overseas. The meeting decided to immediately withdraw the circular dated June 5, 2024, which had suspended the issuance of Pakistani passports to asylum seekers abroad and aims to ensure that overseas Pakistanis receive their passports without unnecessary delays. Officials assured the Deputy Prime Minister that passports for overseas Pakistanis would now be issued within 60 days, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad.