Pakistan has officially joined the ranks of countries with improved global mobility, as its passport now occupies the 100th position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, up significantly from its 113th placement just four years ago. This improvement grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 32 nations, marking a meaningful step forward for Pakistani travelers.

This achievement was confirmed by Henley & Partners, a London-based firm that compiles and publishes the widely respected Henley Passport Index. The ranking is determined by analyzing visa regulations from 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.

Mustafa Jamal Qazi, the Director General of Immigration and Passports, praised the efforts behind this advancement and extended gratitude to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for his strategic leadership. Qazi noted that the inclusion of cutting-edge digital security features, such as biometric e-passports, has played a central role in restoring global confidence in Pakistani travel documents.

These e-passports are embedded with contactless NFC chips and fully align with ICAO’s international standards. Officials also announced the introduction of e-gates at Pakistan’s major airports, a move expected to automate and accelerate immigration procedures for eligible travelers.

Expanding Access and Modernizing Infrastructure

The passport issuance backlog has been completely resolved, and state-of-the-art passport offices are now operational nationwide, enabling quicker and more transparent service. For overseas Pakistanis, digital accessibility has vastly improved, with online renewal options and the “Passport Fee Asaan” app enabling fee payments in just seconds.

Qazi also revealed that a new app is being developed that will allow Pakistani citizens to submit passport applications directly from their smartphones, simplifying the process further.

These efforts collectively aim to elevate Pakistan’s international standing, and authorities are hopeful for further progress in future global rankings.