The good news is, you don’t need to visit the passport office again and again just to check the status. There are now simple ways to track your passport from your phone.
Why Tracking Your Passport Matters
Look, we know how unpredictable things can get. Delays, missing documents, unexpected holidays—tracking your passport can help you:
- Avoid unnecessary visits to the office
- Catch issues early (like rejections or missing data)
- Plan your travel dates better
- Save time, petrol, and a whole lot of frustration
And if you’re applying from abroad, tracking becomes even more important. You can’t exactly walk into a Pakistani passport office in Dubai or London to “just check.”
Method 1: Track Your Passport via SMS in Pakistan
The easiest and fastest way? Send a simple SMS.
Here’s how it works in 2025:
Steps to Track Passport via SMS
- Open your phone’s SMS app
- Type your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes)
- Send it to 9988
That’s it. In a few seconds, you’ll receive a message with the current status of your passport—whether it’s in process, printed, ready for collection, or delayed.
Method 2: Track Your Passport Online Using Token Number
If you applied online or received a token number at the passport office, you can use that to track your passport through the official website.
Steps to Check Passport Status Online (Token Tracking)
- Go to the official DGIP (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) website:
- Click on the “Track Your Application” section
- Enter your token number and select the city/office where you applied
- Hit the search button—you’ll see your passport’s current status on screen
It usually tells you if your passport is:
- Under process
- Sent for printing
- Ready for collection
- Dispatched (for overseas applicants)
- Or facing any issue
Common Passport Status Messages & What They Mean
| Status Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Application Received | Your passport application has been accepted |
| Under Process | Work is ongoing, nothing to worry about |
| Sent for Printing | Almost done! Just a matter of days now |
| Ready for Collection | You can go and collect it |
| Dispatched | For overseas, it’s been sent to the embassy |
| Hold / Objection | Some issue—visit or contact the office ASAP |
How Long Does Passport Processing Take in 2025?
Processing times vary based on the type of service you applied for:
- Normal: Around 10–14 working days
- Urgent: Usually 4–5 working days
- Fast Track (if available in your city): 2 working days or less
Note: If you applied near a public holiday or in peak months (like before Hajj or summer vacation season), delays can happen.
Common Problems While Tracking Passports
- Wrong CNIC or token number: Double-check the digits
- Network error: SMS not sent or delayed response
- System glitch: Sometimes the DGIP website goes down or hangs (refresh and try again)
- Status not updating: Try after 24 hours—some updates take time to reflect
Extra Tips for Overseas Pakistanis
If you’re living abroad and applied at a Pakistani embassy or consulate, here’s what you can do:
- Most embassies now offer email or SMS updates if you provided contact info
- You can track your application via the same DGIP website
- If it shows “Dispatched,” expect delivery in 5–10 working days depending on your country
Still not sure? Call your local Pakistani mission and ask for your tracking number or delivery timeline.
Why You Should Use SMS Tracking Before Visiting the Passport Office
Let’s be real—passport offices are often crowded, and standing in line for hours just to ask “Mera passport bana ya nahi?” is exhausting.
A quick SMS to 9988 can save you time, fuel, and stress. You’ll know exactly when to go instead of guessing or relying on someone at the office to give you a vague update.
How Overseas Pakistanis Can Track Passports Easily
For Pakistanis abroad:
- Track online using your token or passport application number
- Contact the embassy if no update appears after 10 working days
- Use Pak-Identity portal if you applied online via NADRA
- Keep your email and phone number active—this is how most updates come
Conclusion:
In 2025, tracking your passport in Pakistan has gotten a lot simpler—but only if you know how to do it. Whether you’re in Karachi, Dubai, or a small village in Punjab, a quick SMS to 9988 or a token number search online can tell you everything you need
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