ISLAMABAD: The federal government has withdrawn its earlier decision to stop issuing Pakistani passports to individuals seeking political asylum abroad.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
The meeting, which focused on the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, was attended by key officials including the Minister of External Affairs, Home Secretary, DG IMPASS and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs.
During the meeting, DPM Dar received a detailed briefing from the Home Secretary and DG IMPASS regarding facilitating timely issuance of passports to overseas Pakistanis.
The meeting decided to immediately withdraw the circular dated June 5, 2024, which suspended the issuance of Pakistani passports to asylum seekers abroad and aims to ensure that overseas Pakistanis receive their passports without undue delay.
Officials assured the Deputy Prime Minister that passports for overseas Pakistanis will now be issued within 60 days, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad.