DGIP to modify conditions for passport issuance to married, divorced women, The clarification provided by Director General Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, regarding the discrepancy in policies between the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the passport issuing authority regarding married women’s passports is an important step towards addressing concerns and ensuring clarity.
The issue at hand, concerning the condition of a married woman’s passport bearing her husband’s name instead of her father’s, has raised valid questions regarding potential contradictions and discrimination within government policies. It’s essential to reconcile such differences to uphold consistency and fairness in administrative procedures, particularly concerning matters of citizenship and identity documentation.
By acknowledging and addressing these discrepancies, the authorities can work towards ensuring that the policies of both NADRA and the passport issuing authority align to avoid confusion and ensure equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of gender or marital status. Clarity and consistency in such matters are crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding the principles of equality and fairness in governance. The issue regarding discrepancies in policies between NADRA and the passport issuing authority, particularly concerning married women’s passports, has garnered significant attention following Khadija Bukhari’s remarks during the Geo Pakistan program. Bukhari’s case, as a petitioner in a Lahore High Court case, sheds light on the potential inconveniences and distress faced by women seeking to retain their father’s name on their identification documents.
Bukhari’s experience, where she faced difficulties updating her passport to reflect her choice of retaining her father’s name, highlights the practical challenges and implications of these policies for women, especially in cases of divorce. The debate sparked by Bukhari’s case underscores broader concerns about potential discrimination against women within government institutions, particularly regarding identity documentation and marital status.
Director General Mustafa Jamal Kazi’s response, while refraining from commenting on the specific case due to its legal status, emphasizes the distinction between NADRA’s local registration and the international standards followed by passport issuance. He highlights the complexities that may arise, especially concerning travel with children, when discrepancies exist between the information on NADRA records and passport documents.
Kazi acknowledges the legal complexities surrounding marital status and divorce, noting that issues may arise when these developments are not officially registered and declared. He clarifies that according to the law, a married woman may enter her husband’s name in her passport, but modifications will be made in cases of divorce, including adding a box for mentioning the ex-husband’s name.
In response to the growing concern, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice and formed a committee, headed by Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha, to address the matter. The committee has been tasked with reviewing all issues related to passport issuance for women and devising solutions to ensure convenience and ease for married women, in line with rules and regulations.
The formation of this committee signals a proactive approach by the government to resolve the issue and address the concerns raised by women like Khadija Bukhari, aiming to ensure fairness and equality in the administration of identity documentation policies.
