The Pakistani passport has retained its position as the fourth weakest in the world, according to the Henley Passport Index 2024.
The index, which ranks passports based on their visa-free access to destinations globally, places Pakistan at the 106th position out of 199 countries, indicating limited access for Pakistani passport holders. With visa-free access to only 34 destinations, the country’s passport stands among the bottom tier globally.
Since the establishment of the Henley Passport Index in 2006, Pakistan’s ranking has witnessed a continuous decline, dropping from 79th to its current position at 106. The decline is attributed to a lack of comprehensive policy-making aimed at attracting international visitors and investors over the years.
Notably, the only three passports ranking lower than Pakistan’s are those of war-torn nations, namely Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
In comparison to previous years, the recent index shows a slight improvement for Pakistani passport holders, as they now have visa-free access to three additional nations, bringing the total to 34.
Experts point to several factors contributing to Pakistan’s poor passport ranking, including strained diplomatic relations with various countries, a deteriorating economic situation, and fragile agreements for free movement. Surprisingly, some conflict-ridden nations such as Yemen, Somalia, Palestine, Nepal, North Korea, and Libya have secured higher positions than Pakistan on the list.
In contrast, passports from countries like France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain continue to dominate the top spots, showcasing their global strength and extensive visa-free access for their citizens.
