Pakistan’s passport has made significant headway in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025, breaking into the top 100 and ranking 100th globally, as reported by ARY News and Gulf News . This marks a notable ascent from its previous position at 113th in 2021, reflecting improved travel freedom for Pakistani nationals.
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🌍 What This New Ranking Means
1. Visa‑Free or Visa‑On‑Arrival Access to 32 Countries
Pakistani passport holders can now enjoy visa-free or visa‑on‑arrival travel to 32 destinations worldwide . These include tropical getaways and friendly neighbours:
Caribbean:
Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Africa & Indian Ocean:
Burundi, Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Rwanda
Asia-Pacific:
Cambodia, Nepal, Maldives, Timor‑Leste, Tuvalu, Samoa, Vanuatu
This expansion in accessible destinations underscores gradual improvements in diplomatic relations and immigration policies.
2. Upgraded Passport Technology & E‑Gates
Director General Mustafa Jamal Qazi highlighted that modern security features—including NFC‑enabled e‑passports—have strengthened Pakistan’s passport integrity . The rollout of e‑gates at major airports in Pakistan is also underway, promising smoother immigration for e‑passport holders.
3. Streamlined Services & Paperless Processes
Several administrative enhancements now make obtaining or renewing a passport easier and faster:
The longstanding passport backlog has been cleared
A new app, Passport Fee Asaan, enables instant fee payments
An upcoming online e‑pass app will allow citizens to apply from home, further modernizing the system
📈 A Stronger Passport: Steady Momentum
Pakistan’s move from 113th in 2021 to 100th in 2025 shows consistent progress . According to the Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens report, as of April 2025, Pakistani citizens still enjoy access to 32 destinations without needing prior visas .
Despite this achievement, Pakistan remains in the lower half of the global passport strength table, with many powerful passports offering access to well over 150 countries—top-ranking nations like Singapore granting entry to nearly 195 .
🔮 What’s Next?
To continue its upward trajectory in global mobility, Pakistan could:
Expand diplomatic visa agreements, similar to the recent UAE exemption for official passport holders
Pursue further passport securitization, including advanced biometric features
Ramp up consular support and online service coverage, especially for overseas Pakistanis
✅ Final Verdict
While ranked 100th, Pakistan’s passport has delivered meaningful gains—offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 destinations. With stronger e‑passport infrastructure and improved administrative systems, the country is on a positive path. Yet substantial scope remains to elevate global mobility, close to the top passport echelon.
