A new electronic passport system in the country is going to be launch by the Federal Ministry of Interior by 2017. According to the report by the Radio Pakistan, Federal Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has made the announcement to launch new biometric ePassports system by 2017 to combat human trafficking. Federal Ministers has stated that the new ePassports will contain the entire detail of the holder, making the forgery impossible.
The meeting for the announcement of biometric ePassports attended by Chairman NADRA, Secretary Interior, Special Secretary Interior, DG Immigration & Passports, DG FIA, and other senior officials of Ministry of Interior.
This must have initiative is finally going to become the reality as Pakistani passport credibility is decreasing at international level. According to the 2016 report of Henley & Partners, Pakistani passport is at number two in term of worst passports in the world.
By having a systemize passport system it will become possible for the country to express itself better with individual nations and international community of nations.
What is ePassport?
ePassport or electronic passport is entirely different from the normal passport. It contains an electronic chip as showing in the picture. This chip contains the same information that is in printed form on the passport data pages; holder’s name, date of birth, address and other information. It also contains a biometric identifier.
Benefits of an e-Passport for Pakistan
E-Passports help to
- securely identify the traveler,
- provide protection against identity theft,
- protect privacy and
- make it difficult to alter a document for use in gaining admission to the United States.
The biographic and biometric data contained in the electronic chip can be compared to both the traveler and the travel document being presented. There are multiple layers of security in the e-Passport process that prevent duplication. It will enhance security and facilitate legitimate travel and trade through international cooperation.
