Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |

Pakistan Interior Ministry has announced a new policy of suspending the issuance of passports to Pakistani nationals who are seeking asylum abroad or already living on asylum in the foreign countries.

The decision was made in the context of national security and international commitments announced by Mohsin Naqvi, the Federal Interior Minister of Pakistan.

The Ministry has issued a directive to all relevant authorities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement a new policy of no issuance of passports to the asylum seekers or the Pakistani nationals already seek asylum abroad.

The directive states that any Pakistani citizen granted asylum in another country will be ineligible for the issuance of passport. The Passports held by such individuals will be revoked and will not be renewed.

The government’s new policy is expected to have a significant impact on Pakistani citizens seeking refuge in

the foreign countries, perhaps will potentially hindering their ability to travel and access essential services.