After imposing restrictions on the issuance of travel documents to asylum seekers abroad for over a month, the federal government has lifted the ban on handing over passports to overseas Pakistanis seeking refuge in foreign countries.
The decision was taken in a high-level session chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Monday. They reviewed the previous decision to suspend the issuance of Pakistani passports to asylum seekers abroad.
The session, which was attended by secretaries of the ministries of foreign affairs and interior, senior officers and others, also mulled over important matters related to the welfare of overseas nationals, a declaration read.
A circular regarding the restrictions was issued on June 5, 2024, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant authorities.
According to the letter, the step was taken in “national interest under national security and international commitment”.
Furthermore, Dar also received a briefing from concerned officials over the smooth and timely issuance of travel documents to nationals residing in foreign countries.
In today’s session, the federal government decided to issue passports to overseas Pakistanis within 60 days.
The ban on the issuance of passports to asylum seekers had been imposed by the Passport and Immigration Directorate which was notified via a letter last month, The News reported.
It said that Pakistanis who have applied for asylum abroad or who have already received asylum abroad, would not be issued passports, the publication said.
