Government allows married women to retain father's name in passport

LAHORE (Dunya News) - The government of Pakistan has taken a major decision affirming women’s independent legal identity by allowing married women to retain their father’s name on their passports.

The reform process has formally begun following directives from the Lahore High Court. In light of orders issued by Justice Asif Hafeez, significant amendments have been made to passport regulations.

Federal Ministers Mohsin Naqvi and Azam Nazeer Tarar have been instructed to implement necessary software changes to facilitate the reform.

Director General of Passports, Mustafa Jamal, assured that the system would be updated in coordination with National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Meanwhile, UN Women Pakistan welcomed the decision, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening women’s independent legal status.

The DG Passports and Immigration stated that the new policy will provide women with greater dignity and choice in the issuance and renewal of passports.