IN a report published by Henley & Partners, the Pakistani passport has once again been ranked among the world’s weakest, sitting at the 100th position out of 103 countries. While the position remains unchanged from the previous year, this ranking is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Pakistani travellers when it comes to global mobility and access to visa-free destinations.
Passport rankings are crucial indicators of a country’s global standing and its citizens’ travel freedom. They are based on the number of countries a passport holder can access without a prior visa. The higher the ranking, the greater the travel opportunities for citizens. Singapore, with a score of 192, has secured the top spot as the world’s most powerful passport, offering its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 192 destinations out of 227. On the other hand, the Pakistani passport only provides visa-free entry to 33 countries. Improving the ranking of the Pakistani passport is not only a matter of national pride but also crucial for fostering economic growth, promoting cultural exchange and encouraging foreign investment. A higher-ranked passport enhances business opportunities, facilitates tourism and strengthens diplomatic relations. Therefore, it is essential for our government to take proactive measures to enhance its citizens’ travel freedom and increase the country’s global appeal. Firstly, we should actively engage in bilateral negotiations with countries worldwide to secure visa-free agreements or visa-on-arrival facilities for its citizens. Strong diplomatic ties can lead to mutual benefits, including easier travel access for both countries’ citizens. Demonstrating strong economic and political stability as well as investment in human development is crucial for enhancing the international standing of any country. By promoting transparent governance and implementing sound economic policies, we can gain the trust of other nations and improve its global reputation. Strengthening security measures and border controls can increase confidence in the Pakistani passport’s credibility, making other countries more willing to offer visa-free privileges to its citizens. The journey to a more powerful passport may be challenging, but the potential benefits for Pakistan and its people are well worth the effort.
