What How to obtain a Pakistani passport for minors Involves
Obtaining a passport for a child under eighteen requires the parent or legal guardian to complete the official application, provide proof of the child’s Pakistani citizenship, and submit supporting documents such as the child’s birth certificate and the guardian’s CNIC; the process is overseen by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and culminates in the issuance of a biometric passport once the verification is complete.
Legal Position in Pakistan
Under the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951, a person born to Pakistani parents is deemed a citizen by descent, and the Passport Act, 1974 obliges the state to issue travel documents to such citizens, including minors, provided the requisite documentation and parental consent are presented.
Key Requirements
The guardian must present the child’s original birth certificate, the guardian’s valid CNIC or NICOP, two recent passport‑size photographs of the child, a duly filled passport application form (Form‑P), and a signed consent letter; if the child holds a previous passport, that document must also be surrendered.
How the Process Works
Step 1: Download or collect Form‑P from the nearest passport office; Step 2: Attach the required documents and photographs; Step 3: Pay the applicable fee at the designated counter; Step 4: Submit the packet to the passport office where biometric data are captured; Step 5: The office verifies the information and forwards it to the central processing unit; Step 6: Upon approval, the passport is printed and made available for collection or courier delivery.
Practical Costs and Timeline
The standard fee for a minor’s passport is PKR 2,500 for a five‑year validity booklet, while an expedited service adds roughly PKR 1,000; processing normally takes ten to twelve working days, but urgent requests may be fulfilled within three to five days depending on the office’s workload.
Frequent Misunderstandings
Many assume that a child can travel on a parent’s passport, but Pakistani law requires each minor to hold an individual passport; another common error is believing that an old CNIC alone proves citizenship, whereas a birth certificate or NICOP is essential for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often wonder whether a newborn can receive a passport before the birth certificate is issued, and the answer is that the certificate must be available before the application is accepted; another typical query concerns the validity period, which for minors is five years, after which a renewal is mandatory; finally, questions about overseas applications are answered by directing applicants to the nearest Pakistani consulate, which follows the same documentation requirements as domestic offices.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.