After the release of the Henley Passport Index 2026, a claim about the ** Pakistan Passport ** began circulating widely. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan’s passport ranking had improved and called it a strong achievement.
The claim was made in a post on X on January 15. The minister stated that Pakistan’s ranking improved from 126th to 98th. He shared a news report suggesting stronger diplomatic ties helped expand travel freedom.
Several local media outlets repeated the claim. However, a closer look at the Henley Passport Index shows the statement is misleading.
Henley & Partners released the index on January 9. The index ranks passports based on visa-free access. It measures how many destinations a passport holder can visit without a prior visa.
According to the data, the ** Pakistan Passport ** does not show real improvement. In 2025, Pakistani citizens could access 33 destinations visa-free. In 2026, this number dropped to 31.
While Pakistan’s ranking moved from 103rd to 98th, its actual travel access declined. Experts explain that rankings can change when other countries move down the list. This does not mean a passport becomes stronger.
Henley & Partners clarified that visa-free score is the key indicator. A spokesperson said rankings should always be read in context. She added that many countries lost access this year due to visa policy changes and new e-visa systems.
Despite the ranking shift, Pakistan remained fifth from the bottom in both years. This shows no meaningful improvement in global mobility.
Historical data supports this view. In 2024, Pakistan had a visa-free score of 34. That score has steadily fallen since then. The decline in 2026 confirms weaker access, not progress.
The ** Pakistan Passport ** ranking change has caused confusion. Officials stress that numbers alone do not reflect strength. The real measure is travel freedom.
Fact-checkers conclude that calling this change a “strong achievement” is inaccurate. The visa-free score declined, and Pakistan’s position remains near the bottom.
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Verdict: The claim misrepresents Henley Index data. Pakistan’s passport strength has not improved. The actual figures show reduced visa-free access in 2026.
