A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs reviewed proposed amendments to the Passport Act.
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs was held under the chairmanship of Dr Muhammad Humayun Mohmand, during which amendments to the Passport Act were examined.
Committee members discussed the proposal, with Senator Kamran Murtaza stating that the existence of two different passport colours green and blue in Pakistan amounts to discriminatory treatment of citizens. He added that all Pakistanis should be treated with equal respect internationally.
During the session, it was proposed that all Pakistani passports should have a single uniform colour. However, it was also suggested that if identification is necessary, the holder’s designation could be included in the passport.
The committee later decided to form a sub-committee to further examine the matter.
It is worth noting that the issue had previously been discussed in the Senate, where Senator Abdul Qadir had tabled a bill seeking further amendments to the Passport Act of 1974.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry opposed the bill, stating that existing passport rules are clear and that blue passports cannot be issued to children.
During the same session, Talal Chaudhry also disclosed that the son of PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi had travelled to Italy on an official (blue) passport and later sought political asylum there.
Following debate among members, the Senate Chairman referred the bill to the relevant committee for further consideration.
