Passports Department has launched a new online verification system aimed at resolving persistent technical issues affecting fingerprint verification for passport applicants. The upgraded system now enables applicants to complete biometric verification through NADRA’s Pak ID app, ensuring a smoother and more reliable process. In cases where fingerprint verification fails, users can opt for facial verification, further enhancing accessibility and convenience for citizens, particularly overseas Pakistanis and senior citizens.
DG Passports Mustafa Jamal Qazi explained that overseas Pakistanis had frequently encountered difficulties with biometric verification while applying online, often leading to delays in processing. With the new system, applicants can now securely verify their identities from anywhere in the world, addressing a longstanding concern and improving efficiency in the online passport application process. The department has emphasized that this development is part of a broader initiative to digitize passport services, making them more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.
To complete verification, applicants using the DGIP e-Services portal must first note the Passport Tracking ID displayed at the biometric stage of their online application. They then open the Pak ID mobile app, select Online Passport, and enter their CNIC number along with the tracking ID to link the application. Fingerprints can be captured and submitted using the app’s camera-based tool. If capturing fingerprints proves unsuccessful, applicants can use the facial verification option, ensuring that identity verification can be completed without delays. Once the process is completed in the app, the DGIP portal automatically updates the applicant’s biometric status, allowing them to finalize payment and submit the application.
This enhanced system is expected to particularly benefit overseas Pakistanis who often face challenges in completing biometric verification from abroad, as well as senior citizens who may find in-person verification inconvenient. By leveraging digital tools, Passports Department aims to reduce errors, improve turnaround times, and create a more seamless experience for applicants. Officials highlighted that the department is continuously introducing modern facilities and technologies to simplify passport services and strengthen overall governance. The integration with NADRA’s Pak ID app reflects a significant step in the government’s ongoing effort to digitize public services and ensure citizens can access essential documentation efficiently.
For applicants interested in using the new verification system, further information and step-by-step instructions are available on the DGIP e-Services portal. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to adopting digital solutions that enhance public convenience, security, and transparency in Pakistan’s passport issuance process.
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