E-passports

Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the e-passport system claiming that it will ease travel and do away with corruption. This is indeed a monumental step as e-passports will be equipped with new features that can enhance security and ensure transparency. The use of fraudulent documents is commonplace in Pakistan, which can be countered with the use of biometric information to link individuals to their passports. It will help reduce identity fraud and can be used at border control as well. The microchip in the passport will help retrieve passengers’ data and verify their images, which will also simplify the process of passport renewal.

Since the outbreak of Covid19, passengers have been wary of handing their passports to airport staff to avoid transmission of germs. This can be avoided with e-passports and speed up the overall process at customs by reducing queues. Expats and tourists from countries that have already adopted e-passport systems will enjoy smooth travel to Pakistan as the country will renew its electronic infrastructure at local airports. These minor but important advancements will support trade incentives and promote tourism in the country.

Similarly, Pakistani travellers will also benefit from the e-gate facility at airports around the world. Initially, the e-passport facility will only be available to diplomatic and government officials. This is a good way to test and root out any issues in the systems. Also, the e-passports should be priced reasonably so that a maximum number of people can acquire them. Successful integration of e-passports into the mainstream system will help Pakistan transition towards digitalisation and bring the country on a par with other developed and technologically advanced countries. It will pave the way for future technological innovation and encourage different stakeholders to explore digitalisation in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2022.

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