Pakistan’s Passport Power Drops to 103rd in 2025
In 2025, Pakistan’s passport ranked 103rd on the Henley Passport Index, falling below the occupied Palestinian territory, which holds the 100th position.
In 2024, Pakistani passport holders could access 34 countries visa-free. However, in 2025, this number dropped to 33, signaling a continued decline in the global value of Pakistan’s travel document.
Multiple factors have contributed to this deterioration:
- In 2023, Saudi authorities seized 12,000 Pakistani passports from Afghan nationals using forged identities.
- Pakistani authorities were implicated in issuing fraudulent citizenship documents to illegal immigrants, including Afghans.
- Political instability led to incidents like the cancellation of 23 passports tied to individuals involved in an attack on Pakistan’s former Chief Justice in London.
Additionally, in 2025, Pakistan revoked the passports of 4,700 citizens imprisoned in the UAE, further damaging the document’s credibility.
In contrast, Singapore secured the top position on the Henley Passport Index for 2025, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations. Japan ranked second with access to 193 countries, while European nations and South Korea shared third place, granting entry to 192 destinations without visas.
The steady decline in Pakistan’s passport ranking highlights the urgent need for governance reforms, stronger security measures, and effective diplomatic efforts to restore trust in its travel credentials. Addressing document misuse and fostering international collaboration could help Pakistan improve its global standing in the years ahead.
