Pakistan Passport Ranked 191st in Global Passport Index
In a recent ranking by the Henley Passport Index, Pakistan’s passport has been ranked 191st out of 199 countries. This ranking is based on the number of countries that Pakistani citizens can access without a visa. The index provides an annual ranking of the passports of the world’s most powerful countries, based on how many destinations their holders can access without a visa.
Pakistan’s low ranking on the passport index comes as no surprise, as the country has historically faced challenges in facilitating its citizens’ travel to other countries. Pakistani passport holders often struggle with visa restrictions, long processing times, and high fees when trying to obtain visas for foreign travel.
According to the Henley Passport Index, Pakistani passport holders can currently access only 32 destinations without a visa, including countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. This limited visa-free access places Pakistan near the bottom of the index, ahead of only a handful of countries with even more restricted travel privileges.
The Pakistani government has recognized the need to improve the country’s passport ranking and has taken steps to address the issue. In recent years, efforts have been made to strengthen diplomatic ties with other countries, streamline visa processing procedures, and negotiate visa waiver agreements to increase visa-free access for Pakistani citizens.
Despite these efforts, Pakistani passport holders continue to face challenges when trying to travel abroad. Many countries require Pakistani citizens to obtain visas in advance, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Visa denials are also common for Pakistani passport holders, due to concerns about security risks, illegal immigration, and other factors.
The low ranking of the Pakistani passport on the global index has raised concerns among policymakers, diplomats, and citizens alike. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to travel freely and access new opportunities abroad is seen as crucial for personal and economic growth.
To improve the status of the Pakistani passport and increase visa-free access for its citizens, the government will need to continue its efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations, negotiate visa waiver agreements, and address concerns about security and illegal immigration. By working to remove barriers to travel and promote international cooperation, Pakistan can improve its global standing and provide greater opportunities for its citizens to explore the world.
