Many people are unaware that mailing a passport from abroad to Pakistan is an illegal act. The last page of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s passport (Sr. No. 06) clearly states that sending a passport by mail or any other means is prohibited. However, due to a lack of awareness, many individuals unintentionally violate this law, facing serious consequences. I recently experienced this firsthand when a passport sent from abroad was detained by the Customs GPO and forwarded to the FIA (Anti-Human Trafficking Center) for investigation. This caused significant distress and inconvenience. Why is there no widespread awareness regarding this law?
The Passport Office and relevant authorities must take proactive steps to inform through awareness campaigns, official websites, and travel advisories. Many people unknowingly commit this mistake, only to face unnecessary stress and complications. I urge the concerned authorities to take action to spread awareness to prevent others from facing similar hardships. Laws should be well-communicated, not learned through difficult experiences.
Ainee Munir
Lahore