Passport biometric project gets Rs530m allocation

June 12, 2026 (MLN): The federal government has allocated Rs530.273m in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for fiscal year 2026-27 to complete the modernization of the biometric identification system used for passport applications at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (I&P) headquarters in Islamabad.

Budget documents released on Friday showed that the project is designed to strengthen biometric authentication mechanisms, improve security safeguards and enhance the overall efficiency of passport issuance operations.

The scheme, approved by the Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) in May 2023, carries a total estimated cost of Rs994.956m.

Official figures indicate that expenditures amounting to Rs464.683m had been incurred on the project by the end of June 2026, leaving a balance requirement of Rs530.273m.

The government has earmarked the full remaining amount in the 2026-27 PSDP to ensure completion of the initiative.

Upon completion, the upgraded system is expected to deliver more robust identity verification, strengthen protection of applicant data and streamline passport processing procedures, resulting in quicker and more reliable services for citizens.

The project forms part of broader government efforts to modernize passport management systems and reinforce the country's identity verification infrastructure through the adoption of advanced digital technologies.

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