At a time when Pakistan is facing serious challenges in education, healthcare, employment and economic stability, the Senate has found time to pass legislation allowing former parliamentarians to retain official blue passports, even without completing their full term. It makes one wonder whether the priorities of our elected representatives reflect the concerns of ordinary Pakistanis.
The Passports Amendment Bill 2026, recently passed by the Senate, still requires approval from the National Assembly. A separate proposal to extend the facility to family members was withdrawn. Even so, the decision raises questions about the culture of privileges in public office.
Consider the challenges facing the country.According to UNICEF, around 25 million children between five and sixteen are out of school. Many of those attending school face poor educational standards, inadequate facilities and limited opportunities to develop useful skills. With technology changing the nature of employment worldwide, Pakistan urgently needs better education, vocational training and skills development.
Employment is another serious concern. Parliamentary figures reported in October 2026 indicate that approximately 74,500 highly educated Pakistanis left for overseas employment during 2024, 2025 and part of 2026. Among them were doctors, engineers, teachers and other professionals. While their remittances support the economy, the continued departure of qualified people raises concerns about opportunities available at home.
Healthcare presents an equally troubling picture. Pakistan has approximately one registered doctor for every 750 people and one registered nurse for every 1,800 people. Actual access to medical care is often much worse, particularly in rural areas. Public health expenditure remains around 0.8 percent of GDP, leaving countless families struggling to afford treatment. These are everyday realities for millions of Pakistanis. Surely, they deserve greater attention from those elected to serve them.
Yet, amid these difficulties, legislation concerning travel privileges for former lawmakers has made its way through the Senate. Supporters argue that the amendment ensures equal treatment between members of the National Assembly and the Senate. Fairness matters, but does it always mean extending privileges? Should we not also question whether such benefits remain justified after leaving public office?
The Interior Ministry itself has expressed concern that excessive issuance of blue passports could affect visa exemption arrangements with other countries. Parliament can certainly address several matters simultaneously. However, when legislation benefits lawmakers themselves, the public deserves a convincing explanation of why it is necessary.
The issue is not simply the cost of a blue passport. It is the mindset that seems to place the privileges of a few ahead of the needs of many.
Perhaps our representatives should focus more on improving the international standing of Pakistan’s ordinary green passport and creating opportunities that encourage educated Pakistanis to build their futures here. A nation’s progress should be judged by the opportunities available to its people, not the privileges enjoyed by its powerful. The real priority should be making life better for those carrying the green passport, rather than making travel easier for those entitled to the blue one.
—The author regularly writes on governance and social issues.
