Islamabad, 23 May 2024 (GNP):Director General of Immigration and Passports, Mustafa Jamal Kazi, clarified on Thursday the directorate’s position concerning the discrepancy noted between the policies of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and the passport issuing authority regarding married women.
The issue concerns the requirement for a “married woman’s” passport to display her husband’s name instead of her father’s. This policy has raised questions about the contradictions between the two government institutions that hold citizen data nationwide and its discriminatory nature towards women.
Kazi elaborated that the policies for passport issuance are governed by international standards and agreements, which necessitate the inclusion of certain information, including the husband’s name for married women. He emphasized that this practice aligns with international norms and ensures the validity and acceptance of Pakistani passports worldwide.
However, critics argue that such policies are outdated and fail to consider the autonomy and preferences of women. The insistence on including a husband’s name, they contend, perpetuates a form of institutional discrimination and does not reflect the progress towards gender equality.
Bukhari’s experience has brought to light the broader implications of these policies, highlighting the need for a reassessment to ensure that women’s rights and identities are respected. The ongoing legal challenge in the Lahore High Court may pave the way for policy reforms that align more closely with contemporary views on gender equality and individual rights.
As the debate continues, women’s rights advocates are calling for a more inclusive and flexible approach that allows women to choose how they are identified on official documents, without mandatory references to their marital status. This, they believe, would be a significant step towards eliminating gender-based discrimination in official documentation processes.
“Normally, women face difficulty when they have their passport made using their father’s name and the issue arises when they travel with their children. This makes it difficult to determine their biological relationship if the children’s father is not travelling along,” said the DG Passport.
In recent years, the passport authority has faced litigation concerning situations where divorces are not formally declared, Kazi stated. He emphasized that, according to the law, citizens are required to register and declare both their Nikah (marriage) and divorce.
However, problems arise when these events are not officially registered and declared, leading to complications, including issues related to the custodianship of children. This lack of formal registration creates legal ambiguities and difficulties for the passport authority in accurately updating and maintaining records.
“It is legal for a married woman to enter her husband’s name along with her name in the passport,” he said.
When questioned about how the issue will be addressed for divorced women, the Director General of Passport stated that modifications will be made to the passports, including adding a section to mention the name of the ex-husband. This adjustment aims to provide clarity and accuracy in documenting the marital status of divorced individuals on their passports.
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Interior minister forms committee to resolve passport issue
In response to the pressing concerns regarding the discrepancy in passport policies for married women, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has taken proactive measures by initiating a committee to tackle the issue head-on.
This committee, spearheaded by Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of all aspects related to passport issuance for women.
Minister Naqvi has emphasized the importance of prioritizing the convenience and ease of married women in the passport issuance process.
He has directed the committee to formulate practical recommendations that address the concerns raised, while ensuring adherence to established rules and regulations.
Recognizing the urgency of the matter, Minister Naqvi has underscored the ministry’s commitment to finding an immediate solution to the issue.
The formation of this committee reflects the government’s proactive approach in addressing gender-related challenges and striving for equitable policies that uphold the rights and preferences of all citizens, particularly women.
