Overseas Pakistanis travelling on foreign passports will continue to be permitted to enter the country using a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), authorities have clarified.
However, travellers whose NICOP has expired, been cancelled, or is otherwise invalid will now be required to obtain a valid Pakistani visa before travelling to Pakistan.
Under the updated travel instructions, passengers carrying foreign passports without a valid NICOP must possess a Pakistani visa before they are allowed to board flights bound for Pakistan.
The revised rules apply to travellers departing from any country, including the United Kingdom, the United States, European nations, and other destinations, who do not hold a valid NICOP.
Airlines have been instructed to deny boarding to passengers who fail to present either a valid Pakistani visa or a Pakistani passport. Officials said no exemptions would be granted to travellers who do not meet the entry requirements.
Authorities also noted that misinformation surrounding the directive had created unnecessary confusion. They emphasised that the new instructions do not affect overseas Pakistanis with a valid NICOP, who may continue travelling to Pakistan on their foreign passports under the existing regulations.
Airline station managers have been directed to inform relevant staff about the updated guidelines and ensure passengers are properly advised before boarding their flights.