Senate panel approves bill to give blue passports to former members, families

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved a bill seeking to grant free official (blue) passports to former members of parliament, their spouses and dependent children.

The bill, titled the Members of Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Act, 2026, was moved by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir.

According to the proposed amendment, former members of parliament will be entitled to receive free official (blue) passports. The bill also extends the facility to the spouses of former lawmakers and their dependent children under the age of 28.

The statement of objects and reasons accompanying the bill notes that retired federal secretaries and their families already enjoy this privilege, and the amendment seeks to place former members of parliament on an equal footing with retired federal secretaries.

The bill will require approval by both houses of parliament and presidential assent before it can become law.