New Pakistani Passports to Feature Mother’s Name — Here’s Why It Matters!
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, working under Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, has decided to begin including the mother’s name on all new Pakistani passports. This decision is part of a major policy update aimed at solving identity-related problems faced by many families, especially single mothers and their children.
Currently, passports and national identity cards in Pakistan only show the father’s name. However, officials say this has caused legal, travel, and documentation issues, particularly in cases where a father is absent or unknown.
New Rule to Bring Pakistan in Line with Global Standards
Director-General Mustafa Jamal Kazi explained that the change will help Pakistan follow international norms where it’s common practice to include both parents’ names. He said, “Many countries already follow this system, and it helps reduce confusion and complications during immigration and legal procedures.”
This new update is also meant to assist women raising children alone, who often face extra challenges when traveling, applying for visas, or proving their relationship to their child due to the absence of the mother’s name on documents.
How Will the Change Work?
All new passports issued in Pakistan will now include both the father’s and the mother’s names. However, passports that are already issued will remain valid until they expire and do not need to be changed unless renewed.
The new policy will apply to new applicants and those renewing passports, and both parents’ names will need to be submitted during the application process.
The Directorate is expected to announce official guidelines soon, explaining how citizens can provide the required details and documents during the passport process.
Public Reaction and Social Impact
This step has been welcomed by human rights groups and legal experts, who say it is an important move for gender equality. Many organizations have long called for recognition of the mother’s role in official records, especially in family law and travel-related matters.
Women’s rights activists believe that this update shows progress in how the Pakistani government is beginning to recognize both parents equally in documentation, which is a positive sign for future reforms.
A Progressive Step Toward Inclusive Identity
The Directorate’s decision is not just a technical update — it is a symbol of progress. By acknowledging mothers in official travel documents, Pakistan is taking a modern, inclusive approach to family identity.
Citizens are encouraged to prepare for the change by keeping both parents’ names ready when applying for or renewing their passports. This update promises to make international travel smoother and reduce documentation-related stress for many families in the years ahead.