No more delays: Pakistan speeds up passport printing with AI-powered machines

Dubai: Pakistan is stepping into a new era of fast passport delivery with the introduction of cutting-edge AI-powered passport printing machines capable of producing up to 300 passports per hour, announced Mustafa Jamal Kazi, Director General of Immigration and Passports.

Since procuring six advanced printers recently, these machines are now being fully integrated with databased at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), streamlining the entire passport issuance process.

“This technology will drastically cut down waiting times and transform service delivery for citizens,” Kazi stated, highlighting a major leap in modernising Pakistan’s passport system.

Challenges

For years, Pakistan’s passport system has faced challenges including long delays and shortages, especially during peak travel seasons. Historically, the country processed an average of 3.4 million passports per year. However, with growing demand fuelled by increased international travel, backlog issues often left applicants waiting weeks or even months for their passports.

Thanks to recent investments in technology and infrastructure, passport production has more than doubled in the past two years. From 2022 to 2024, Pakistan issued over 13 million passports, averaging nearly 6.7 million per year, thanks in part to the deployment of 10 new high-speed printers last year that increased daily output to over 40,000 passports.

AI-powered machines

The latest AI-powered printers, capable of printing 300 passports per hour (with potential to reach up to 1,000 per hour once fully optimised), are expected to dramatically reduce application backlogs and waiting times nationwide. Old machine could only print 25, to 30 passports one hour because most of the work was done manually.

NFC

The new passports also incorporate NFC technology for faster, more secure border control and smoother travel experiences.

To ensure seamless integration, foreign technical experts have been brought in to oversee installation and operation. These upgrades not only boost production capacity but also improve passport quality with advanced security features to combat counterfeiting.

More machines

Kazi said that more advanced e-passport printers are slated to arrive in the coming months, promising even greater efficiency and reliability, and cementing Pakistan’s commitment to providing world-class passport services for its citizens.