ISLAMABAD : Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry has warned that the excessive issuance of blue passports could negatively affect Pakistan’s global passport ranking and its efforts to secure visa-free travel arrangements with other countries.
Speaking in the Senate on Monday, the minister said the number of blue passports had been reduced from approximately 75,000 to 45,000 as part of efforts to address concerns surrounding their issuance.
He clarified that none of the cancelled passports belonged to political representatives.
Blue Passports Discussed with Foreign Countries
Talal Chaudhry said Pakistan had been pursuing visa-free travel and other travel facilities with European, Gulf and other countries for the past 18 to 24 months.
He said the number of blue passport holders had also come under discussion during talks with Canada and other countries, adding that the issue could create difficulties for Pakistan in its efforts to secure improved travel facilities for its citizens.
The minister stressed that the credibility of Pakistan’s passport and the country’s international standing were important considerations in such negotiations.
Opposition to Extending Facility to Former Lawmakers’ Children
Talal Chaudhry opposed a proposal to extend blue passport facilities to the children of former parliamentarians and senators.
He argued that instead of expanding eligibility, the government should first review concerns surrounding the existing entitlement and determine whether the current system was justified.
The minister said the matter should be examined in the national interest, as it was directly linked to the travel rights of Pakistani citizens, the credibility of the national passport and Pakistan’s standing in the international community.
He maintained that the government’s efforts to obtain visa-free travel and other travel facilities for Pakistanis could be affected if the country’s passport system was perceived as providing excessive privileges.
