Muhammad Abid Ibrar
Pakistan’s green passport has once again been ranked among the world’s weakest passports. According to recent international rankings, Pakistani passport holders can travel to only a limited number of countries without obtaining a visa beforehand. The question that naturally arises is: why does a country of over 250 million people, possessing nuclear capability, strategic importance, and an active diplomatic role continue to face such travel restrictions? Pakistan today occupies an important position in regional and international affairs. It has played a constructive role in promoting peace and stability, particularly in facilitating dialogue and reducing tensions among nations. Pakistan enjoys diplomatic relations with major world powers, including the United States, China and Russia, while maintaining strong ties with the Muslim world and Arab countries. Despite these achievements, the strength of a country’s passport is determined not by military capability or diplomatic statements alone.
Passport rankings are primarily based on international confidence in a country’s governance, security systems, immigration controls, economic stability and compliance with global standards. Countries granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access carefully evaluate issues such as illegal immigration, document security, overstaying of visas and the reliability of travel and identity management systems. Pakistan must therefore address the factors that influence international confidence. Improving the strength of the Pakistani passport requires a long-term national strategy rather than short-term diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan has significantly improved its passport system in recent years, but further investment in biometric technologies and internationally recognized security standards is essential. The Pakistani passport must continue to meet and exceed global security benchmarks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should actively pursue bilateral visa facilitation agreements with friendly countries. Many nations have improved their passport rankings through sustained diplomatic engagement and reciprocal arrangements. Illegal migration and visa overstays by a small number of individuals negatively affect millions of law-abiding Pakistani citizens. Strict action against human trafficking networks and stronger immigration controls are necessary to restore international confidence.
A country’s passport is also a reflection of its international reputation. Pakistan must continue projecting its achievements in education, technology, tourism, trade and culture. Public diplomacy should become an important pillar of foreign policy. Economically stable countries generally enjoy stronger passports. Sustainable economic reforms, political stability and effective governance contribute significantly to international trust. The Foreign Office and the Ministry of Interior may jointly establish a dedicated “Passport Diplomacy Cell” tasked with negotiating visa facilitation agreements and regularly engaging with foreign governments on mobility issues. Pakistan’s overseas community serves as ambassadors of the country’s image abroad. Their contributions in business, academia and public service can strengthen Pakistan’s reputation and support diplomatic efforts for greater travel mobility.
The responsibility for improving Pakistan’s passport ranking does not rest solely with government institutions. Citizens also have an important role to play. Respecting the laws of host countries, maintaining positive conduct abroad and contributing to Pakistan’s image are equally important. The strength of a passport is ultimately a measure of international trust. Nations that enjoy extensive visa-free access have earned that trust through decades of institutional development, economic progress and diplomatic engagement. Pakistan possesses the human capital, strategic importance and diplomatic potential to improve its standing in the years ahead.
The Pakistani passport should not merely symbolise nationality; it should represent credibility, opportunity and confidence. Achieving that goal requires a collective national effort—one that combines effective diplomacy, sound governance and responsible citizenship. Only then will the green passport become a true reflection of Pakistan’s aspirations and its rightful place in the community of nations.
The writer is Additional Director, Public Relations & Media at Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar. He can be reached at: mabidibrar@gmail.com.
