What's Happening?
For the fifth year in a row, Pakistan's passport has been ranked as the fourth weakest globally, according to the Henley Passport Index 2025. The index evaluates passports based on visa-free access to destinations
worldwide, placing Pakistan at the 103rd position alongside Yemen. Neighboring countries such as China, Iran, and India have been ranked higher, with China at 64th, Iran at 85th, and India at 98th. Singapore leads the index with visa-free access to 193 destinations, while Pakistani passport holders have access to only 31 countries.
Why It's Important?
The ranking underscores the challenges faced by Pakistani citizens in terms of international mobility, which can affect personal travel, business, and diplomatic engagements. Countries with higher rankings enjoy greater freedom of movement, facilitating international trade and cultural exchange. The persistent low ranking of Pakistan's passport may reflect broader geopolitical issues and impact the country's ability to negotiate favorable international agreements. Enhanced mobility can lead to economic growth and improved international relations, which Pakistan may struggle to achieve with its current passport ranking.
