In a significant policy reversal, the federal government of Pakistan has lifted the ban on issuing passports to Pakistani nationals seeking asylum abroad. The decision, which follows over a month of restrictions, was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.
Policy Reversal: Decision and Rationale
The policy reversal was decided in a session attended by key officials, including the secretaries of foreign affairs and interior, senior officers, and the Director General of Immigration and Passports. The decision to lift the ban reflects the government’s reconsideration of its earlier stance taken in June 2024, which was originally justified on grounds of “national interest under national security and international commitment.”
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A circular issued on June 5, 2024, had directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities to halt the issuance of passports to Pakistanis who had applied for or received asylum abroad. This decision aimed to tighten national security and manage international obligations but faced criticism for potentially infringing on the rights of individuals seeking asylum.
Meeting Highlights: Welfare of Overseas Pakistanis
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar received detailed briefings on the current status of passport issuance processes and the challenges faced by overseas Pakistanis. The authorities assured Dar that the issuance of passports to overseas Pakistanis would now be completed within 60 days. This commitment emphasizes the government’s focus on the welfare of its expatriate community and its responsiveness to their needs.
Addressing Delays and Upgrading Infrastructure
Director-General (DG) Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi briefed the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior, highlighting the steps being taken to resolve delays in the passport issuance process. Qazi attributed the delays to non-functional machinery and outdated infrastructure. He announced the procurement of new machinery for e-passports and additional printers to expedite the process.
“Our passport system was 20 years old, and only 13 out of 20 old printers were functional. We had also faced issues with lamination papers due to the [US] dollar rates, which are now resolved,” Qazi explained. He assured that all issues would be resolved by September 2024, with a comprehensive upgrade of the infrastructure.
Legal Challenges and Public Response
The initial policy to ban passport issuance to asylum seekers was met with legal challenges. A petition filed in the Supreme Court by Advocate Saim Chaudhry argued that the ban was discriminatory and violated fundamental rights under Articles 10, 10A, and 25 of the Constitution. The petition requested the court to nullify the government’s policy, emphasizing the need for transparency and justification in such significant decisions.
Public response to the policy was mixed, with some supporting it as a measure to prevent passport misuse and enhance national security, while others criticized it for potentially infringing on individual rights. The reversal of the policy indicates the government’s willingness to reconsider its stance in light of legal, public, and practical concerns.
Commitment to Overseas Pakistanis
Deputy Prime Minister Dar emphasized the importance of efficient services for overseas Pakistanis and reiterated the government’s commitment to their welfare. The decision to issue passports within 60 days is part of broader efforts to ensure that the needs of expatriates are promptly and effectively addressed.
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In a related development, Dar also discussed bilateral relations and the recent terrorist attack in Oman with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The discussions highlighted the importance of combating terrorism and exploring areas of economic cooperation.