Islamabad, May 24, 2025— Pakistan to cancel passports: The government of Pakistan has taken a strict stance against deported Pakistanis returning to the country. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that the passports of these individuals will be cancelled immediately upon their return. Additionally, authorities will register first information reports (FIRs) against them to hold them accountable.
Passport Cancellation and FIR Registration
During an important meeting in Islamabad, led by Interior Minister Naqvi, officials decided to cancel the passports of deportees and file FIRs against them. The government will also add the names of these deportees to the passport control list for five years, preventing them from easily obtaining new travel documents. The decision aims to send a strong message and tighten control over travel regulations to avoid misuse and repeated offenses.
Deportation Statistics and International Embarrassment
Saudi Arabia deported over 5,000 Pakistani beggars in the last 16 months, while authorities in five other countries apprehended an additional 369 individuals for begging. Furthermore, approximately 106 Pakistanis were deported from various European countries last month alone. Minister Naqvi emphasized that these deportees have brought embarrassment to Pakistan on the international stage. Consequently, the government intends to adopt a zero-tolerance approach and will no longer grant any concessions to such individuals.
Strengthening Passport Laws and Enforcement
To ensure effective implementation of these measures, the government has formed a committee under the chairmanship of the interior secretary. This committee will work on tightening and improving passport laws to prevent future violations. The Interior Minister stressed the importance of these reforms in maintaining Pakistan’s dignity abroad and urged all relevant agencies to cooperate fully in enforcing the new policies.
In conclusion, the government’s renewed efforts highlight a decisive approach of Pakistan to cancel passports of deported nationals. These actions reflect Pakistan’s commitment to uphold international respect and ensure that deported individuals face strict consequences for their actions.
