The Pakistani Passport Slips to 102nd in Global Ranking: Implications for Pakistani Citizens

Posted on November 14, 2024 by News Desk

The Pakistani Passport Slips to 102nd in Global Ranking: Implications for Pakistani Citizens

In the latest global passport rankings, the Pakistani passport has taken another hit, ranking 102nd according to the Henley Passport Index. This drop places Pakistan among the lowest-ranked countries in terms of passport power, as citizens now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 34 countries worldwide.

Comparative Analysis with Other Countries

Countries like Somalia, Yemen, Bangladesh, the Palestinian Authority, Ethiopia, and Libya, all facing various political and economic challenges, have managed to rank higher than Pakistan, coming in collectively at 101st. Citizens of these countries have access to 38 countries without requiring a visa, reflecting a more favorable global standing than Pakistan.

At the top of the passport ranking, Singapore has retained its position as the world’s strongest passport. Singaporean citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an impressive 195 destinations worldwide. Meanwhile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain follow closely with access to 192 countries.

The Decline and Its Causes

Several factors contribute to the declining strength of the Pakistani passport. The ongoing political and economic challenges have led many Pakistanis to seek opportunities abroad, with a notable number attempting illegal migration to European and Gulf countries. In countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where begging is illegal, numerous Pakistanis have been arrested and jailed for resorting to such activities, negatively affecting Pakistan’s international image.

Another factor tarnishing the reputation of the Pakistani passport is the alleged use of bribery among Afghan refugees in Pakistan to obtain passports. Reports indicate that Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan have managed to secure Pakistani passports through illicit means, which has further compromised the credibility of Pakistani travel documents.

What This Means for Pakistanis

The current standing of the Pakistani passport poses challenges for citizens aiming to explore or migrate legally to other countries. Many find themselves facing long and often stringent visa application processes, with limited options for visa-free travel. Addressing these issues will require robust governmental action to improve Pakistan’s global image and ensure that its citizens are treated with respect internationally.

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