The Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Wednesday urged lawmakers to tighten rules for issuing blue passports after misuse by family members of public officials and parliamentarians.

The minister told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the son of an MNA recently traveled to Italy on a blue passport before surrendering the document and seeking asylum in Italy.

The issue came under discussion as lawmakers debated proposals related to extending blue passport facilities to parliamentarians and their families.

The minister said such incidents were communicated back to Pakistan through diplomatic channels and had become a source of embarrassment for the country.

The committee was informed that Pakistan had significantly reduced the number of official passports issued and that blue passports would now be granted only where genuinely required.

The minister said the misuse of official passports had damaged Pakistan’s international image and complicated negotiations with foreign countries on agreements and travel-related cooperation.

He added that several countries raise concerns about the number of official passports issued by Pakistan during bilateral discussions and warned that the misuse of blue passports affects Pakistan’s credibility internationally.

Committee Chairman Faisal Saleem commented that official passports should ideally be limited to parliamentarians and not extended to bureaucrats and family members.

Talal Chaudhry also questioned why adult children of officials and lawmakers should continue receiving blue passports and suggested that any changes in eligibility would require proper legislation.

The committee directed authorities to provide complete records regarding the issuance of official passports to parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and their family members.

Pakistan’s blue passport is issued to government officials and public office holders for official travel purposes and carries certain diplomatic and visa facilitation benefits in some countries.

The issue has remained sensitive because of past cases involving overstays, asylum applications, and alleged misuse by passport holders abroad.

📢 For the latest Business news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!

Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!

Shares