Pakistan has issued special blue passports to more than 40 leading Taxpayers under a new initiative aimed at recognizing citizens who make major contributions to the national economy through taxes.
According to officials, the selected individuals have also been given the honorary title of “ambassadors at large.” The move was introduced on the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as part of efforts to encourage tax compliance and reward high contributors.
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) confirmed that most of the special passports have already been delivered to the approved recipients. The announcement comes at a time when the issuance of blue passports to political figures and their family members has already sparked debate online.
DGIP Director General Mustafa Jamal Randhawa said authorities are also considering expanding the initiative in the future. Officials are reviewing proposals that could introduce different passport categories for business leaders and high-income individuals who meet specific tax requirements.
According to reports, consultations are currently underway between the Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The discussions are focused on how Taxpayers with strong financial contributions can be officially recognized through special travel documentation.
The development has triggered fresh discussions about whether financial contribution should lead to enhanced privileges or recognition from the government. Supporters of the initiative believe it could encourage more people to become active and regular taxpayers.
At the same time, authorities are also working on major reforms to modernize Pakistan’s passport system. Officials say the government plans to shift many passport-related services toward a fully digital framework.
One of the upcoming changes includes a nationwide home delivery service for passports. Under the new plan, applicants will be able to receive their passports directly through courier services.
The service is expected to launch first in Islamabad before expanding to other cities across Pakistan. Officials also plan to extend the facility to overseas Pakistanis in later phases.
In addition, the passport department is preparing to launch a chatbot support system. The feature will help citizens with application procedures, document requirements, and passport tracking updates.
Authorities said the new digital support system will also reduce pressure on existing call centres, which are currently being expanded to manage increasing demand.
Officials are also reviewing plans for fully online passport applications. The proposed system may work through a dedicated mobile app or through an expanded version of NADRA’s Pak-ID platform.
Under the digital system, applicants would be able to upload photographs, documents, and previous passports online. Notifications regarding additional requirements would then be sent through email.
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The government believes the reforms will improve convenience for citizens while also recognizing responsible Taxpayers who contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
