Director General Mustafa Kazi Establishes Committee for Passport Policy Review

The Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, has taken a significant step by announcing the establishment of a committee to review the current passport policy regarding the inclusion of a married woman's husband's name instead of her father's. This decision comes in response to discrepancies between the policies of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and the passport issuing authority, which have raised concerns about potential gender discrimination.

Mr. Kazi highlighted the importance of aligning passport policies with global standards, emphasizing that passports are international documents that require accurate and consistent information. The practice of including the husband's name on a married woman's passport has posed challenges, especially for women traveling alone with their children, where the father's absence could complicate establishing relationships.

Furthermore, the Director General pointed out the legal implications of undisclosed divorces and stressed the significance of properly documenting marital status changes to avoid custody complications. He clarified that while it is permissible for a married woman to include her husband's name in her passport, accurate registration and documentation are crucial to prevent future issues.

The formation of the review committee signifies a proactive approach towards addressing concerns related to passport policies for married women. By ensuring alignment between Nadra's domestic registration practices and international passport standards, the committee aims to promote clarity, consistency, and gender equality in passport issuance. This initiative not only addresses current challenges but also underscores the importance of accurate documentation for individuals' legal and travel-related matters.