The federal government is planning to develop electronic passport security chips locally through collaboration between the Pakistan Security Printing Corporation (PSPC) and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). The initiative is aimed at reducing reliance on imported technology and developing domestic expertise in microchip production for sensitive government documents. The matter was discussed during a virtual meeting chaired by the Director General of Immigration and Passports, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, with PSPC officials. During the meeting, the director general directed the corporation to coordinate with the NUST team and take practical steps towards developing passport chips within Pakistan while ensuring the required security standards. The proposed initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise the country’s passport production system and improve the security of electronic travel documents. Although the government has directed relevant institutions to work towards local chip development, the announcement does not indicate that domestic manufacturing has started or that locally produced chips are already being used in passports.
The discussions covered several aspects of passport production, including printing operations, supply chain management and the timely availability of passport booklets. Officials reviewed measures to improve the production process and address operational issues that could affect the availability of travel documents. Particular attention was given to electronic passport security features and the need to align existing systems with international requirements. The meeting also examined the production of polycarbonate data cards, which form an important component of modern electronic passports. These cards carry the passport holder’s information and contain the embedded electronic chip used for digital verification. Improving their production quality and ensuring compliance with relevant technical standards were among the matters considered during the review. The proposed cooperation between PSPC and NUST is expected to bring research capabilities and institutional expertise into the development process, although technical specifications, manufacturing arrangements and a project timeline have not yet been publicly confirmed.
The move follows an earlier meeting between the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and a NUST delegation, during which university representatives briefed passport authorities on their ongoing research into locally developed microchip technology. The discussions explored possible applications of domestic microchip research in securing passport information, along with opportunities for technical knowledge sharing and joint research. Both sides also considered the possibility of establishing a formal cooperation framework through a memorandum of understanding. The latest direction to PSPC to work with NUST represents a further step towards translating those discussions into practical development work. Developing secure passport chips requires specialised expertise in semiconductor technology, electronics, encryption and the protection of sensitive data. Collaboration between a public-sector printing organisation and a university could provide a structure for combining research with the technical requirements of official travel documents. However, the success of the initiative will depend on research progress, testing, manufacturing capacity and the ability of any locally developed solution to meet applicable international security requirements.
Pakistan’s existing e-passport system already uses electronic chip technology to support identity verification and protect information stored in travel documents. The embedded chip carries the passport holder’s personal and biometric details, a unique identification number and a digital signature. The country’s newer e-passport design also incorporates Near Field Communication technology, laser engraving and encryption features intended to improve document security and make unauthorised alteration more difficult. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) establishes international standards for machine-readable travel documents and electronic passports, making compliance an important consideration for any locally developed chip. Domestic development could eventually give Pakistan greater control over an important component of its passport infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. It could also create opportunities for local research institutions and technology specialists to contribute to secure identification systems. For now, however, the initiative remains at the development and coordination stage. Authorities have not announced a production schedule, a confirmed implementation date or any immediate changes to passport applications and issuance procedures. Existing passport holders should continue following the current rules unless the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports announces otherwise.
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