Pakistan to Introduce New Passport Design with Enhanced Security and Cultural Features

Islamabad – The Government of Pakistan has decided to completely redesign the country’s passport, introducing modern security features and showcasing the cultural heritage of all four provinces.

According to sources, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has obtained formal approval from the Ministry of Interior to proceed with the redesign.

The new passport will feature images of historical and iconic landmarks from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan on its visa pages, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the nation.

In addition to the visual upgrade, the new passport will include advanced security features to enhance forgery resistance and ensure international compatibility. One major update is the inclusion of both the father’s and mother’s names, a significant change aimed at improving identity verification and inclusivity.

The printing of the new passport booklets has already begun at the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, following the Ministry of Interior’s green light. Officials say that while visual and security elements are being updated, no changes are being made to the core structure or format of the passport.

Read more: UK to start issuing new passports from December 2025

Mother’s Name on New Passports Sparks Concerns Over Banking Privacy

Islamabad – The Directorate of Passports has clarified that apart from added features, no major changes are being made to the Pakistani passport design. Key updates include the addition of the mother’s name alongside the father’s, enhanced security features, and images of historic landmarks from all provinces on visa pages. The statement also confirmed that the existing stance on Israel in the passport remains unchanged.

However, concerns have been raised over the inclusion of the mother’s name. Experts warn that this change could impact banking security, as mother’s name is often used as a confidential identifier in the banking system. Making it publicly visible may expose sensitive information and increase the risk of fraud.

Financial and cybersecurity experts urge authorities to reassess this move, stressing the importance of maintaining privacy protocols that protect users in digital and financial systems.