Senator Zehri Raises Concerns on Passport Policy Amendment

The Islamabad High Court has directed the authorities to engage in a consultative process for amending the passport policy concerning married and divorced women. This directive follows a query raised by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri regarding the inclusion of an 'ex-husband category' in passport data for divorced women.

The court's decision stresses the completion of the consultative process within three months, giving women the choice to retain their father's name, CNIC, or passport details. The government is tasked with ensuring synchronization of records between NADRA, Passport, and Immigration departments.

Senator Zehri criticized the proposed policy, deeming it contradictory to NADRA's provision allowing the retention of the father's name on a woman's CNIC. She highlighted its potential unconstitutionality and discriminatory impact on divorced women facing societal pressures.

Opposition leader Shibli Faraz echoed Zehri's concerns, emphasizing the need to revisit family laws and propose legislative amendments. He suggested a proactive role for the Senate in addressing such issues beyond court decisions.

Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has referred the matter to the committee for further consultation with stakeholders. Senator Atta ur Rehman recommended seeking the Council of Islamic Ideology's perspective, stressing the importance of a comprehensive review.

The initiation of a consultative process for amending the passport policy regarding married and divorced women reflects a significant step towards addressing gender-related concerns in official documentation. The involvement of key stakeholders and the emphasis on synchronization of records demonstrate a commitment to ensuring inclusivity and fairness in administrative procedures.