Major relaxation announced for women applying for Pakistan passport

2026-02-26 - 05:33

ISLAMABAD – The government of Pakistan has approved significant changes to passport laws, allowing married women the option to retain their father’s name in their passports. This reform, which was initiated under the directive of Lahore High Court, aims to empower women by affirming their independent legal identity. The changes come in light of the instructions of Justice Asif Hafeez, which led to a crucial amendment in the country’s passport regulations. Federal ministers Mohsin Naqvi and Azam Nazir Tarar have been tasked with overseeing the necessary software changes to accommodate the new policy. Additionally, the Director General of Passports, Mustafa Jamal, assured that the system would be updated in collaboration with NADRA to implement the reforms efficiently. UN Women Pakistan has welcomed this step, recognizing it as a progressive move towards affirming women’s legal autonomy. The Director General of Passport and Immigration emphasized that the new rules would grant women greater dignity and authority in the passport issuance and renewal process. This reform is seen as a crucial step in providing women with more control over their legal identity, especially in a country where cultural and legal challenges often limit women’s rights.