Pakistan Reverses Policy on Passport Issuance to Asylum Seekers, Welcomes ICJ Ruling on Palestine

Pakistan has decided to withdraw its earlier decision to halt the issuance of passports to individuals seeking political asylum abroad. This decision, initially implemented through a circular on June 5, 2024, faced widespread criticism from Pakistanis living abroad, many of whom are in exile. The reversal was decided during a high-level meeting at the Foreign Office on Monday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Participants in the meeting included the foreign secretary, interior secretary, director general IMPASS, and senior officials from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs. “The meeting discussed in detail the recent policy decision and decided to reverse it with immediate effect,” the Foreign Office stated.

The meeting also addressed delays in passport issuance to Pakistanis living abroad. The Secretary Interior and Director General IMPASS briefed the deputy prime minister about ongoing efforts to streamline the process. It was decided that the Ministry of Interior and IMPASS would upgrade infrastructure and equipment within 45 days to expedite the clearance of the passport backlog.

In other developments, Pakistan welcomed an Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the “Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.” The ICJ ruling highlighted Israel’s unlawful policies in the occupied territories, and Pakistan called for the immediate implementation of the Court’s Advisory Opinion.

Pakistan also extended its full support to Oman in combating terrorism during a telephone call between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. The two leaders discussed the recent terrorist attack in Muscat and reviewed the bilateral relations, agreeing to further cooperation in political, economic, and defense sectors. An upcoming visit of Omani investors to Pakistan was also welcomed, aimed at exploring mutual economic cooperation opportunities.