DG passport also clarifies about contradictions in Nadra and passport policies about married women

The government, as announced by Director General of Immigration and Passports Mustafa Jamal Kazi, will implement changes to address concerns over passport requirements for women. The debate surrounding these requirements, particularly concerning married and divorced women, intensified on Thursday. Geo Pakistan, inquiring about these issues, highlighted the discrepancies between the policies of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).

Change in passport requirements:

Director General Kazi confirmed that adjustments would be made to the passport system. For divorced women, a new box will be created allowing them to list their former spouse’s name. The divergence in policies between Nadra and the passport office, especially regarding married women’s passports, has sparked significant debate.

A recent episode of Geo Pakistan featured Khadija Bukhari, a lawyer and petitioner in a related case before the Lahore High Court. She discussed the challenges faced by women who want to retain their father’s name on their identification documents after marriage. Bukhari encountered obstacles when renewing her passport, prompting broader discussions on institutional discrimination against women, especially post-divorce.

During discussions, it was revealed that Bukhari was informed she needed to inform her spouse and obtain a new CNIC before renewing her passport. This revelation led to conversations about how government institutions may perpetuate discrimination against women, even after divorce. Director General Kazi responded to arguments made on Geo News but refrained from addressing specific issues, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

He clarified that Nadra records and passports are not the same. He said that passports are only for use in Pakistan, while Nadra records are international documents that follow international agreements.

Usually, women face problems when they travel with their children and their passports bear their father’s name.

If the children’s father is not traveling with them, it becomes more challenging to ascertain their biological tie, according to the DG Passport.

He reported that the passport office has handled legal cases in recent years related to unrecognized divorces.

Kazi said that Nikah and divorce are legal requirements that citizens must register and declare.

However, when individuals fail to record and announce these changes, problems arise, and this also raises concerns regarding child custody.

“It is legal for a married woman to enter her husband’s name along with her name in the passport,” he stated.

Set up a committee to address the passport issue for married or divorced women:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi set up a committee. He picked Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha as its leader. The goal is to tackle the issue.

Naqvi has instructed the committee to examine every problem concerning women’s passports and come up with a practical solution.

Naqvi ordered that the ease and convenience of married women when making recommendations. She also mentioned that the ministry is trying to find a quick fix in accordance with the laws and regulations.