- Pakistan is in the bottom five of Arton’s Global Passport Power Rank for 2024, with its passport holders having visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 32 countries.
- Pakistani citizens need visas for 152 countries, posing significant challenges for international travel, whether for personal, business, or educational purposes.
- The ranking underscores the disparity in travel freedom, with countries like the UAE, Germany, and Singapore offering extensive travel privileges compared to countries like Pakistan, which face more restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles.
Arton Capital has released its Global Passport Power Rank for 2024. Unfortunately, Pakistan is in the bottom five of the list, ranking as 4th worst fourth consecutive year. This ranking, which evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries available to their holders, places Pakistan in a challenging position on the global mobility scale.
A Closer Look at the Rankings
According to Arton’s Global Passport Power Rank, Pakistani passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 32 countries. This limited access is in stark contrast to the passports from countries at the top of the ranking, such as the United Arab Emirates, which boasts access to 179 countries without the need for a prior visa.
The ranking is determined by several factors, including the number of countries a passport holder can visit without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or through an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Countries with broader access to more destinations score higher, reflecting their greater global mobility.
Implications for Pakistani Citizens
For Pakistanis, this ranking underscores the challenges they face when planning international travel. With visa requirements for 152 countries, the process can be cumbersome, involving time-consuming applications, documentation, and sometimes even interviews.
The need for visas not only affects personal travel plans but also has significant implications for business, education, and other opportunities abroad. Students seeking to study in foreign universities, professionals attending international conferences, or entrepreneurs exploring business prospects must navigate a complex web of visa regulations.
The Global Context
The Global Passport Power Rank highlights the disparities in travel freedom between countries. Passports from countries like Germany, Singapore, and Japan often top the list, offering their citizens extensive travel freedom and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Conversely, countries at the bottom of the ranking, including Pakistan, face more restrictions and challenges.
This disparity can be attributed to various factors, including diplomatic relations, economic conditions, and security concerns. Countries with stronger economies and stable political environments tend to have better visa agreements with other nations, enhancing their citizens’ global mobility.
Efforts to Improve the Situation
The Pakistani government has been making efforts to improve its standing on the global stage, which could eventually lead to better visa agreements. Diplomatic initiatives, economic reforms, and efforts to improve security are all part of this broader strategy. However, such changes take time and require sustained effort and international cooperation.
In the interim, Pakistani citizens can benefit from being well-informed about visa requirements and staying updated on any changes in visa policies. Utilizing resources such as Arton’s Passport Index can help travellers plan more effectively and avoid unnecessary complications.
Arton’s Global Passport Power Rank for 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the travel limitations faced by Pakistani passport holders. With visa requirements for 152 countries, the challenges are significant. However, ongoing efforts by the government and an informed approach by travellers can help navigate these challenges and improve Pakistan’s global mobility in the future.
As the world becomes more interconnected, the importance of a strong passport cannot be overstated. For Pakistan, the journey towards improved travel freedom continues, with hope for better rankings in the years to come.
New Pakistani Passport Urgent Fee Update October 2023. Read the full story here:
The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, a department under the Ministry of Interior, is the authorized entity responsible for issuing Pakistani passports. In this guide, we’ll outline the steps for obtaining a machine-readable passport for international travel. Every Pakistani citizen has the right to apply for a passport to facilitate foreign travel.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments section below.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Wow 360.
