Pakistan has approved blue passports for 42 top taxpayers who have been designated as ambassadors-at-large on the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to Director General of Immigration and Passports Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

Randhawa said most of the approved blue passports have already been issued. He also revealed that authorities are examining another proposal to introduce special-colored passports for businessmen who pay taxes above a certain threshold. The proposal is currently being discussed with the Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue.

Alongside the move, the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports is preparing a series of digital reforms aimed at improving passport services across the country.

These reforms include plans for nationwide home delivery of passports, allowing applicants to receive their documents at their doorstep after paying a nominal courier fee. Officials said the service may later be expanded to overseas Pakistanis in the second phase.

The department is also working on launching a chatbot system to help applicants with passport procedures, required documentation, and application status tracking. Authorities believe the system will help reduce the burden on call centers, which are also being expanded.

Randhawa said the department is also seriously considering online passport applications through either a dedicated mobile app or an expanded digital platform. Under the proposed system, applicants would be able to upload old passports, photographs, and other supporting documents online, while also receiving email notifications if further verification is needed.

In another key change, passport fees will no longer be deposited through National Bank branches after June 30. The department plans to fully shift to cashless payments through QR codes and mobile banking applications to simplify the process and reduce the role of agents.