The government has announced a substantial increase in passport fees, particularly in the fast-track category.

According to recent media reports, the updated pricing structure shows significant hikes in several passport categories and page counts.

A machine-readable passport (MRP) with 36 pages and a 5-year validity period costs Rs. 12,500 as of May 8. For those who want more pages, the rates rise to Rs. 18,000 for 72 pages and a whopping Rs. 23,000 for 100 pages.

Individuals wanting a longer validity period of ten years have seen even higher prices. A 10-year MRP of 36 pages now costs Rs. 16,200, while charges for 72 and 100 pages have risen to Rs. 25,200 and Rs. 32,000.

On March 6, 2019, the Directorate General of Passports and Immigration raised the passport processing fee.

Despite the increase in prices, backlogs and delays in passport processing continue, leaving many applicants dissatisfied with the system’s efficiency.

The minister co-chaired a meeting with Jiang Zaidong, China’s ambassador to Pakistan. Secretary Planning, Awais Manzoor Sumra, and other ministry officials also attended the meeting.

The discussions centered on expanding collaboration on projects relating to energy, infrastructure, industry, food security, agriculture, and transportation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of deepening the longstanding friendship between Chinese and Pakistani leaders, expressed the government’s firm commitment to expediting CPEC implementation, and stated that the prime minister’s upcoming visit to CPEC projects would usher in a new era of cooperation in all sectors.

The minister focused on CPEC’s main goal of increasing collaboration in all sectors, including industry, energy, infrastructure, social development, agriculture, and regional connectivity within Pakistan.

He stated a desire to strengthen collaboration with China through the transfer of new technologies in a variety of industries, including transportation and agriculture.

He emphasized Pakistan’s intention to construct industrial zones for the production of electric vehicles in conjunction with China, using Pakistan’s comparative advantage to lower overall production costs and generate job opportunities for Pakistani people.

Ahsan Iqbal also talked about the upcoming South Asian Games 2025, emphasizing the significance of thorough training regimens for Pakistani players. He highlighted his willingness to engage with China, encouraging Chinese coaches and trainers to assist Pakistani athletes in their preparations.

Both parties underlined their commitment to completing CPEC Phase II quickly and successfully.

The Chinese Ambassador also praised the government’s efforts, particularly those of the Federal Minister for Planning and Development, to maintain cross-sector cooperation.

He also congratulated Pakistan on hosting the 2025 South Asian Games.

Armed men attacked farmers working on agricultural property in Faiz Muhammad hamlet, which is located in the Katcha area near Pir Jo Goth.

Abdul Shakoor and Sanaullah were shot dead by the attackers. They also abducted someone else and fled the scene.

The katcha area of Khairpur district has grown unstable, following the districts of Ghotki, Shikarpur, and Kandhkot in Sindh, as a result of armed gang activity.

“A police contingent has been dispatched to the incident site,” SSP Khairpur Zubair Nazeer Shaikh said. “We are trying to recover the hostage from the kidnappers,” he explained.

The law-and-order situation in Katcha, the riverine forests along the banks of the Indus River, is worse by the day, as dacoit gangs continue to kidnap individuals for ransom, while the police department has failed to preserve law and order.