Pakistani passport falls below Palestine’s in global rankings for Jan 2025

Pakistan’s passport power has been hit in the first week of January 2025, ranking 103rd on the Henley Passport Index lower than the occupied Palestinian state, which stands at 100th.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia confiscated 12000 Pakistani passports from Afghan citizens who used fake credentials, raising concerns over the authenticity of Pakistani passports. Pakistani authorities have also been implicated in issuing fake citizenship documents, especially to illegal immigrants, including Afghans.

Political instability in Pakistan has further impacted the passport’s reputation, with incidents such as the cancellation of 23 passports linked to individuals involved in an attack on the former Chief Justice of Pakistan in London. Additionally, in 2025, Pakistan revoked the passports of 4,700 citizens who were imprisoned in the UAE, further damaging the credibility of its travel documents.

While Pakistan faces challenges in improving its passport’s standing, Singapore continues to hold the top position on the Henley Passport Index for 2025, offering its citizens visa-free access to 195 countries. Japan follows closely in second place with access to 193 countries, while European nations and South Korea are tied for third, with visa-free entry to 192 destinations.

The decline in Pakistan’s passport ranking highlights the urgent need for reforms in governance, security, and diplomatic relations. Strengthening international partnerships and addressing issues like document misuse will be crucial in restoring confidence in Pakistan’s passport and improving its global ranking in the future.