Islamabad, July 20, 2025: In a landmark move, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has announced a major update to Pakistani passports, aligning them with international documentation standards. For the first time in history, the mother’s name will now appear alongside the father’s name in the passport.
Speaking on the development, Director General Mustafa Jamal Kazi confirmed that this step was taken not only to meet global requirements but also to address long-standing issues faced by Pakistani women, particularly single mothers.
“This decision aligns with both international standards and the needs of our society,” Kazi said during an official interview.
A Progressive Step for Women’s Identity
Previously, Pakistani CNICs and passports included only the father’s name, often causing legal and administrative hurdles for children raised by single mothers or those without access to paternal identification. The new change is seen as a progressive reform, aimed at empowering women and ensuring legal equality.
Human rights advocates have welcomed the update, calling it a “milestone decision” that finally gives recognition to mothers as legal guardians in official documentation.
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What Happens to Existing Passports?
There has been some confusion among the public about whether existing passports will need to be reissued under the new rule. Officials have clarified that:
- Current passports will remain valid until their expiry date.
- The new rule will apply only to passports issued after the implementation of this policy.
Although the final implementation date hasn’t been disclosed yet, the department has assured that more details will be shared in the coming weeks.
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Why This Change Matters
Many developed countries already include the mother’s name in official identity documents, offering citizens better access to public services, school admissions, visa processing, and more. By moving in this direction, Pakistan is modernizing its documentation system and reducing obstacles for women-led families.
