Major Change in Passport Rules: Married Women Can Now Use Father’s Name Instead of Husband’s

Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan has introduced a significant change in passport regulations, allowing married women to list their father’s name instead of their husband’s on their passports.

The move is aimed at strengthening women’s legal identity and dignity. Previously, married women’s passports typically carried their husband’s name, which often created legal and identity-related challenges. Under the new policy, women can now choose to retain their father’s name on their passports if they wish.

The reform follows a directive from the Lahore High Court, which emphasized giving women greater control over their legal identity. The Ministry of Interior and the Passport Department have updated their software and systems to implement this change.