The federal government has decided to reverse the policy decision of suspending the issuance of passports to Pakistani nationals seeking asylum abroad.

It was decided during a meeting presided over by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday to discuss the matters related to the welfare of overseas Pakistanis.

“The meeting discussed in detail the recent policy decision that was taken vide circular dated June 5, 2024, for not issuing passports to any individual who had sought asylum or is already living on asylum abroad. It was decided to reverse the policy decision with immediate effect and to withdraw the circular of 5 June 2024,” according to a press release.

The foreign secretary, interior secretary, Immigration and Passports (Impass) director general and senior officers of the foreign ministry attended the meeting.

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Issues relating to delays in the issuance of passports to Pakistanis living abroad were also discussed. The interior secretary and Impass DG briefed the foreign minister about the ongoing efforts to streamline the process.

It was decided that the interior ministry and Impass would take steps to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment within the next 45 days and to accelerate the clearance of the entire backlog relating to the issuance of passports to overseas Pakistanis.