The plan to install e-gates at three major airports in Pakistan has been experiencing delays for three years despite the introduction of the e-passport facility across the country, sources said on Saturday.

The proposed plan, essential to fast-track the immigrant process, witnessed delays due to a lack of decision-making from the Civil Aviation Authority, they added.

Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports were set to get e-gates for immigration similar to the airports in most of the developed countries.

The e-passports are already in use in more than 150 countries worldwide. Several countries have switched to the e-passport due to the increasing need for efficient and better border security.

The facility was made available on August 16, 2023, in all field offices in Pakistan. The country’s e-passport holders can benefit from the e-gate facility at all airports around the world.

“It will also help eliminate all the hurdles in the ongoing manual system and will aid Pakistani applicants to process online applications conveniently. Since the e-Passport carries out various forms of security checks, extending benefits to overseas Pakistanis will ultimately benefit the country,” according to the directorate general of immigration & passports of Pakistan.

Salient Features

• Chip based data storage with laser engraving
• Multiple security feature including IR & UV
• E-gate facility for immigration
• ICAO-compliant standards
• Real-time match of personalised data at airports