Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed his ministry to stop issuing passports to Pakistanis seeking asylum abroad.
The move is believed to be aimed at bolstering national security and safety.
The decision comes as part of efforts to curb the unauthorized migration of Pakistani citizens under the guise of asylum-seeking. According to sources, individuals seeking asylum abroad for any reason will be ineligible to obtain a Pakistani passport.
Furthermore, the Interior Ministry has clarified that passports of individuals already seeking asylum abroad will neither be canceled nor renewed. This decision underscores the government's commitment to maintaining strict control over passport issuance processes to safeguard national interests.
In line with the directive from Minister Naqvi, the Interior Ministry has dispatched a formal letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities to implement the new policy effectively.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some lauding it as a proactive measure to prevent misuse of passports and protect national security, while others express concerns about potential limitations on individuals' rights to seek asylum.