In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Naqvi said that the Pakistani passport has recorded a marked improvement in world rankings, rising from 126th to 98th place — a notable achievement.

“This improvement in the passport’s ranking is a major success for Pakistan and has significantly enhanced the credibility of the Pakistani passport on the global stage,” he said.

Naqvi emphasised that this positive change is the result of sustained efforts and reforms undertaken by the government.

He added that this progress provides a foundation for further improvements in the future.

“We remain committed to enhancing the Pakistani passport’s ranking, and in the coming days, it will secure an even stronger position internationally,” the minister said.

According to the London-based Henley & Partners Global Passport Index, the Pakistani passport now ranks 98th, allowing its holder visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31 countries — a position shared with Yemen.

The index lists Singapore as holding the world’s most powerful passport, allowing its citizens to travel to 192 out of 227 countries and territories without a visa. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, with its citizens able to travel visa-free to only 24 countries.

Syria and Iraq also rank among the countries with the weakest passports.