If you have recently applied for a Pakistani passport and want to know whether it is under process, approved, printed or ready for delivery, you can check its status through official channels of the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGI&P).
For applicants inside Pakistan, DGI&P provides passport status updates through SMS service 9988. Overseas applicants can receive status information through the email/Rabta service when they provide a valid email address during the application process. Immigration and Passports+1
DGI&P has also expanded its digital passport services, including online passport applications, online fee services and home-delivery-related facilities. Immigration and Passports
This guide explains the available ways to check your passport application status in Pakistan in 2026.
How to Check Passport Status in Pakistan
The easiest method depends on how you submitted your application.
For applications submitted in Pakistan
DGI&P uses SMS short code 9988 to provide passport status information.
For overseas applicants
DGI&P uses its Email Rabta Service to provide passport status information when a valid email address has been provided during the application process. Immigration and Passports
For online passport applications
Applicants can receive application-status information through their registered email address. DGI&P states that online applicants are kept informed about the current status of their passport applications through registered email addresses. Immigration and Passports
Method 1: Check Passport Status Through SMS 9988
For applicants inside Pakistan, SMS is one of the simplest ways to receive passport status updates.
DGI&P’s official passport process states that applicants are informed about passport status through SMS service 9988. Immigration and Passports
Step 1: Keep Your Application Information
After submitting your passport application, keep your token/application information safely.
The token issued during the passport application process contains important application details. Immigration and Passports
Step 2: Provide a Valid Mobile Number
During the data-entry stage of the passport application, applicants are instructed to provide a valid mobile number.
This allows DGI&P to send passport-status notifications through SMS. Immigration and Passports
Step 3: Monitor SMS Notifications
Passport status notifications are sent through 9988 for applicants inside Pakistan.
Therefore, keep the mobile number you provided during the application process active and check incoming messages.
What Is the 9988 Passport SMS Service?
9988 is the DGI&P SMS service used to communicate passport-status information to applicants in Pakistan.
DGI&P specifically states that applicants can receive passport status through SMS service 9988 after providing a valid mobile number during the data-entry stage. Immigration and Passports
If you are waiting for your passport, don’t rely on unofficial websites or random WhatsApp messages claiming to provide passport tracking.
Use DGI&P’s official communication channels.
Method 2: Check Passport Status Through Email
Email is particularly important for applicants using DGI&P’s online passport services and for overseas Pakistanis.
For online passport applications, DGI&P says applicants receive application-status information through their registered email addresses. Immigration and Passports
For overseas applicants, the Email Rabta Service is used for passport status information when the correct mobile number/email has been provided during data entry. Immigration and Passports
What Should You Do?
Check the email address you provided during your passport application.
Also check:
- Inbox
- Spam folder
- Promotions folder
- Junk folder
Make sure you are checking the same email address associated with your application.
Method 3: Use Official DGI&P Online Passport Services
DGI&P provides online passport services through its official website.
The online passport system allows eligible applicants to create an account and submit passport applications electronically. The application process includes entering personal information, providing required documents and completing payment. Immigration and Passports
Official DGI&P Passport Services
For online applications, DGI&P communicates application-status information through the registered email address. Immigration and Passports
Important: Avoid entering your CNIC, passport information or other personal details into unofficial passport-tracking websites.
How to Know Whether Your Passport Is Still Being Processed
Passport applications go through several stages.
DGI&P’s published process includes steps such as:
- Fee verification and token issuance
- Biometric data capture
- Data entry
- Verification
- Interview and decision
- Passport printing/processing
- Dispatch
- Delivery or collection
The exact process can depend on the type of application and service used. Immigration and Passports
Therefore, receiving a status notification does not necessarily mean that the passport is immediately ready for collection.
What Happens After Passport Printing?
After successful processing, passports are dispatched for delivery to the relevant Regional Passport Office or foreign mission.
DGI&P notes that passports dispatched from the production facility can be tracked through its SMS service or helpline, while shipment to the relevant office may require additional time. Immigration and Passports
This means that even after printing, you may need to allow time for the passport to reach the relevant delivery or collection location.
How to Check If Your Passport Is Ready for Collection
If you applied through a passport office in Pakistan, wait for the official status notification.
DGI&P states that applicants should visit the passport delivery counter with the original token on the given date for collection. Immigration and Passports
The passport is generally delivered to the applicant or an eligible blood relative according to the department’s stated procedure. Immigration and Passports
Keep These Things Safe
Before going to collect your passport, keep:
- Original token
- Required identification
- Passport application information
- Any official SMS/email received from DGI&P
Do not depend on an unofficial message or agent.
What If You Do Not Receive an SMS?
If you have not received a passport-status SMS, first check whether the mobile number you provided during the application process was correct.
DGI&P specifically instructs applicants to provide a valid mobile number or email address during data entry for status notifications. Immigration and Passports
You can also contact DGI&P through its official helpline or contact channels if you have a genuine application-status problem.
DGI&P currently lists its national helpline as:
051-111-344-777
The international number is:
0092-51-111-344-777
The department lists its helpline operating hours as Monday to Friday. Immigration and Passports+1
What If Your Passport Application Is Delayed?
A delay does not necessarily mean that your application has been rejected.
There can be different stages between application submission, verification, printing, dispatch and delivery.
If your application appears to be taking longer than expected, check your official SMS/email notifications first.
If you still cannot determine the status, contact DGI&P using its official channels.
For online passport-related issues, DGI&P lists a dedicated contact route and asks applicants to provide information such as their Online Tracking ID, CNIC/passport details and contact information when submitting a query. Immigration and Passports
Can I Check Passport Status Without Visiting a Passport Office?
In many cases, yes.
Applicants can receive status notifications through DGI&P’s SMS or email systems rather than repeatedly visiting a passport office.
For applications processed inside Pakistan, SMS 9988 is the official status-notification channel identified by DGI&P. Online applicants can receive status information through their registered email address. Immigration and Passports+1
This can save applicants unnecessary trips to a passport office.
How to Check Online Passport Fee Status
Passport application status and passport fee payment status are not exactly the same thing.
DGI&P provides an e-Payment / Passport Fee Asaan service that allows users to check payment status and complaint status. Immigration and Passports
DGI&P Passport Fee Asaan / e-Payment
DGI&P advises applicants not to visit certain passport offices until online passport fee confirmation shows “Paid.” Immigration and Passports
So, if your concern is specifically whether your passport fee has been received, use the official fee-status facility rather than confusing it with the passport-processing status.
What If You Entered the Wrong Email or Mobile Number?
If the contact information submitted during the application process was incorrect, you may not receive status notifications normally.
In such a situation, contact DGI&P through its official channels and explain the issue.
Do not give your passport information to an unofficial agent who claims they can “unlock” or “speed up” your application.
Beware of Fake Passport Tracking Websites
Pakistani applicants should be careful when searching for passport-status information online.
Avoid websites or individuals that ask for:
- CNIC number
- Passport number
- OTP
- Banking information
- Debit/credit card details
- Fingerprints
- Passwords
unless you are certain you are using an official government service.
A website using the words “Pakistan Passport Tracking” does not automatically mean that it is operated by the government.
Always verify that you are using the official Directorate General of Immigration & Passports website.
Directorate General of Immigration & Passports – Official Website
DGI&P Official Contact Information
If you need help with a passport application, DGI&P provides official contact channels.
National Helpline
051-111-344-777
International Helpline
0092-51-111-344-777
General Information
DGI&P also provides dedicated contact information for online passport-related issues and application tracking queries. Immigration and Passports
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my Pakistani passport application status?
Applicants in Pakistan can receive passport-status information through SMS 9988. Online applicants can also receive status information through their registered email address. Immigration and Passports+1
What is the SMS code for Pakistan passport tracking?
DGI&P uses 9988 for passport-status SMS notifications inside Pakistan. Immigration and Passports
Can I check my passport status online?
For online passport applications, DGI&P provides status information through the applicant’s registered email address. DGI&P also operates online passport and e-service facilities through its official website. Immigration and Passports
How will I know when my passport is ready?
DGI&P sends status information through SMS for applicants inside Pakistan and through email/Rabta services where applicable. Applicants should follow the official collection or delivery instructions provided with their application. Immigration and Passports+1
What should I do if I don’t receive a passport SMS?
Check that the mobile number provided during the application process was correct and active. If you still cannot obtain the status, contact DGI&P through its official helpline or contact channels. Immigration and Passports+1
Can overseas Pakistanis receive passport status by email?
Yes. DGI&P states that its Email Rabta Service provides passport-status information to overseas Pakistanis when the correct email/mobile information has been provided during the application process. Immigration and Passports
Can I check my passport fee payment separately?
Yes. DGI&P’s Passport Fee Asaan/e-Payment system provides facilities for checking payment status and related complaints. Immigration and Passports
Final Thoughts
Checking a passport application status in Pakistan does not necessarily require another visit to a passport office.
For applicants inside Pakistan, SMS 9988 is an important official status-notification channel. Online applicants can receive updates through their registered email, while overseas applicants can use the Email Rabta service. Immigration and Passports+1
If your application appears delayed or you are not receiving updates, use DGI&P’s official contact channels rather than relying on unofficial agents or passport-tracking websites.
Simple rule:
Apply → Keep your token/application details safe → Monitor 9988/email → Follow the official collection or delivery instructions.
For the latest procedures and services, always check the official Directorate General of Immigration & Passports website.
About the Author
1 thought on “How to Check Passport Application Status in Pakistan 2026 – SMS, Email & Online Guide”