Pakistan’s Senate has approved a bill granting lifetime blue passports to serving and retired senators. The move aims to provide senators with the same passport privileges as members of the National Assembly.
The upper house passed the Passport Act Amendment Bill on Monday. Senator Abdul Qadir introduced the legislation to address differences in passport benefits between lawmakers.
Senators to Receive Lifetime Blue Passport Privileges
Under the proposed amendment, current and former senators will become eligible for lifetime blue passports.
The bill seeks to bring Senate members in line with National Assembly lawmakers who already enjoy similar privileges.
Blue passports are official travel documents that Pakistan issues to eligible government officials and other authorized individuals.
However, holding a blue passport does not automatically guarantee visa-free entry into foreign countries.
The amendment still requires completion of the remaining legal procedures before becoming law.
Senate Also Approves Criminal Laws Amendment Bill
During the same session, the Senate passed another important piece of legislation.
Senator Fauzia Arshad presented the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill, which received approval from the upper house.
The report did not provide further details about the proposed criminal law changes.
Passport Policy Faces Questions Over Misuse
The latest decision follows earlier discussions about official passport privileges.
In May, the Senate Standing Committee on Interior raised concerns about the misuse of blue passports.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry highlighted the need for stricter controls to prevent abuse of official travel documents.
The new amendment could expand long-term passport privileges for lawmakers.
However, the government must complete the required legislative process before implementing the proposed changes.
