Passport-related services at the Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia have been temporarily suspended, affecting thousands of Pakistani nationals in the Kingdom. The move comes amid technical issues reported at the passport system’s headquarters in Islamabad, leading to a wider disruption across Pakistan’s foreign missions. The development has triggered concerns over Pakistan’s passport suspension and delays in documentation for overseas citizens.
According to an official notice issued by the Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia, all passport processing services have been halted until further notice. The embassy stated that the suspension is linked to technical difficulties at the central system in Pakistan, which directly impacts operations at diplomatic missions abroad.
The suspension is not limited to Saudi Arabia alone. Other Pakistani missions, including the embassy in Abu Dhabi, have also reported similar disruptions. Officials have confirmed that the issue is system-wide and not specific to any single country or mission.
The embassy has advised applicants to avoid visiting the premises for passport services until the system is restored. It also encouraged citizens to follow official social media channels for updates regarding the resumption of services. In the meantime, applicants have been asked to wait or use alternative online channels where available.
The halt has caused issues for Pakistani expatriates needing passport renewals for work, travel, and residency. Some applicants expressed concern over delays, especially those with urgent travel plans.
Authorities have not yet provided a clear timeline for restoration. However, efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the technical fault at the Islamabad headquarters.
The issue highlights problems in digital passport systems for overseas Pakistanis due to central system failures.
