The Henley Passport Index for the first half of 2025 has revealed a grim reality for Pakistani travelers: the country’s passport now ranks 103rd globally, tied with Yemen, and lower than the occupied Palestinian territory, which ranks 100th. This marks a continuing decline in the power and credibility of Pakistan’s travel document.
Decline in Visa-Free Access
In 2024, Pakistani passport holders enjoyed visa-free access to 34 countries. However, this number has dropped to 33 in 2025, highlighting the erosion of the passport’s value over time. The reduction may seem slight, but it reflects broader challenges in governance and international credibility.
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Factors Undermining Pakistan’s Passport
Several factors have contributed to the passport’s declining status:
- Fraudulent Use and Document Mismanagement: In 2023, Saudi authorities confiscated 12,000 Pakistani passports from Afghan citizens who had acquired them using fake credentials.
- Issuance of Fake Documents: Pakistani authorities have been implicated in issuing fraudulent citizenship documents to illegal immigrants, particularly Afghans.
- Political Turmoil: Political instability has also played a role. In 2025, Pakistani authorities revoked the passports of 4,700 citizens imprisoned in the UAE. Additionally, 23 passports linked to individuals involved in an attack on Pakistan’s former Chief Justice in London were canceled.
These incidents have severely dented the credibility of Pakistan’s travel credentials, both regionally and globally.
Global Passport Rankings: Pakistan at the Bottom
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free. At the top of the list, Singapore leads with visa-free access to 195 destinations, followed by Japan with 193. South Korea, along with several European nations like France, Germany, and Italy, ties for third place with access to 192 countries.
On the weaker end, Pakistan shares its 103rd spot with Yemen. Countries with even weaker passports include Iraq (104th), Syria (105th), and Afghanistan (106th). Meanwhile, Somalia, Nepal, Palestine, and Bangladesh rank just above Pakistan, with Somalia at 102nd.
Regional Comparisons
In South Asia, India ranks 85th with visa-free access to 59 destinations, far ahead of Pakistan. China is ranked 60th, Saudi Arabia 58th, and Iran 96th, further emphasizing the challenges Pakistan faces in enhancing its global mobility.
The Path Forward
The decline in Pakistan’s passport ranking underscores the urgent need for reforms in governance, security, and international collaboration. Efforts to curb document misuse, improve border security, and foster stronger diplomatic ties could restore global confidence in Pakistan’s travel document.
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The Henley Passport Index, compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and independent research, highlights the importance of maintaining passport integrity. Without immediate and sustained reforms, Pakistan risks further erosion of its passport’s value, limiting opportunities for its citizens on the global stage.