SC orders machine readable passport equipment at embassies

ISLAMABAD: Hearing a suo moto case pertaining to non-availability of machine readable passport at Pakistani embassies abroad, has directed the authorities concerned to make sure availability of machine readable passports at all Pakistani’s embassies abroad. A three member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani resumed hearing of the case. During the hearing, ministry of foreign affairs submitted a report before the bench stating that equipment for machine-readable passports will be installed and respective staff will be stationed by November 2015 at all embassies and missions across the world. It stated that the machines will be installed in 16 missions during the period from July 2014 to 2015 while the other machines will be set up in 48 embassies in next financial year. The court ruled that equipment for machine readable passports should be installed at all Pakistani embassies across the world as soon as possible and staff be appointed as well.