PAKISTAN has done it again. The country has remained in its place near the bottom of the Henley Passport Index, ranking 103 out of 106, just above Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. For the fifth time in a row, our passport holds the dubious distinction of being among the least powerful in the world. Consistency requires commitment and successive governments have demonstrated plenty of that, especially when it comes to sitting still. While others rise and fall in the index, Pakistan’s passport remains a model of stability. Green book holders can travel visa-free to a total of 31 destinations, a list that mainly includes islands that most have never heard of and countries that one could only find on a geography quiz. Meanwhile, those in first place, Singaporeans, can quickly reach 193 destinations and South Koreans 190.
You could blame geopolitics, global suspicion, or our own bureaucratic enthusiasm for paperwork. But the truth is that the strength of passports reflects much more than the convenience of an airport: it reflects international trust, governance standards and economic credibility. The weaker the State, the weaker its passport. And ours, unfortunately, bears the weight of bad diplomacy, inconsistent policies and a brand image that does not inspire confidence abroad. What can be done? For starters, the government could invest in the kind of soft power that can’t be stamped or stamped: improving governance, security and regional relations. Trade, tourism and academic exchange contribute more to mobility than slogans about “image building.” A modern passport design or biometric upgrade will not help if the world continues to view Pakistan as unpredictable rather than a reliable partner with a coherent vision of engagement. Until then, Pakistanis can take comfort in the only privilege our passport still offers: the ability to remain firmly anchored to the ground. After all, who really needs jet lag?
Published in Dawn, October 17, 2025
