The DG of passports is reluctant to connect the MRP facility at the embassy to the passport database facility in Isb
SAPPORO, JAPAN: As per a public announcement in September on the homepage of the Pakistan embassy in Tokyo, it was mentioned that the validity of machine-readable passports (MRPs) will not be extended and instead, fresh MRPs would be issued. However, as per embassy officials, neither a fresh MRP can be issued at present, nor can old MRPs be extended. Instead, a new, manually handwritten non-MRP would be issued. Furthermore, it came to my knowledge that the International Civil Aviation Organisation would phase out non-MRPs with effect from November 25. Foreign governments may deny visa or entry to persons travelling on such passports after November 24.
An official also told me that the embassy in Tokyo has all available technical tools, such as biometric equipment, as well as personnel required for operationalisation of the MRP facility. However, the directorate general of immigration and passports (DGIP) is reluctant to connect the MRP facility at the embassy to the central passport database facility in Islamabad and is delaying the process for no reason. Embassy officials are very keen to resolve this issue but there is no response from the DGIP. In future, Pakistanis could face major difficulties with regard to their passports in Japan. The authorities concerned are requested to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
Muhammad Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, November 16th, 2015.
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