In a groundbreaking move for single parents in Pakistan, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports has announced that all newly issued passports will now include the mother’s name alongside the father’s. This new policy, supervised by the Ministry of Interior, aims to address the challenges faced by single mothers and their children, particularly in legal, travel, and documentation matters.
Director-General Mustafa Jamal Kazi confirmed the decision, emphasizing that this reform brings Pakistan in line with global standards. He highlighted that the change would help resolve longstanding issues, especially for families headed by single mothers. These families often face difficulties when navigating official systems or traveling abroad, as current Pakistani passports and national ID cards only carry the father’s name.
As of 2025, Pakistani passports have only featured the father’s name, leaving single-parent families at a disadvantage. However, this policy shift will allow both parents’ names to be included in all newly issued documents, offering a much-needed solution for single mothers and their children. The initiative is a step toward gender equity and aims to modernize administrative practices in Pakistan.
Officials have clarified that existing passports will remain valid until their stated expiry dates. However, from the launch of the revised format onward, both the father’s and mother’s names will be included in new passports and national ID cards.
The announcement has been welcomed by human rights advocates and civil society groups, who view it as a progressive and much-needed change. The new passport policy is expected to be implemented nationwide in the coming months, with updates to passport application systems and forms already in progress.
This move is seen as a positive step toward addressing the real-world challenges faced by single mothers, ensuring they are recognized equally in official documents, and promoting a more inclusive society.
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