The Senate on Monday approved legislation allowing former parliamentarians to retain their official blue passports even if they left office before completing a full term, while a companion bill seeking to extend the privilege to their dependent children was withdrawn amid objections from treasury members.
The amendment to the Passports Act, 1974, covers former members of the National Assembly and Senate who took the oath of office but did not serve out their full tenure. The bill must now secure approval from the National Assembly before it can become law.
What the Amendment Changes
Both bills were moved by Senator Abdul Qadir. The approved legislation proposes inserting a new Section 3-A into the Passports Act, permitting a former parliamentarian to retain and use a gratis official passport after leaving office — whether they served a full term or completed only the remainder of another member’s tenure.
Under existing rules, National Assembly members become eligible for blue passports upon taking the oath, while senators must complete their six-year term to qualify. The amendment seeks to eliminate that disparity by extending the facility to former lawmakers from either House who depart early.
The proposed provision states that “a retired parliamentarian who has taken oath as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) or the Senate, whether for a full term or for the remainder of the term of another member, shall, on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed, be entitled to retain and use the gratis official (blue) passport issued to him or her after ceasing to hold office.”
The change would cover lawmakers who leave the National Assembly before completing five years or the Senate before completing six years. Under the existing Passport Rules 2021, former parliamentarians qualify for blue passports only if they have served at least one full term in either House.
Parity Argument Advanced
The bill’s statement of objects and reasons says the amendment “brings parity with the privileges available to other high-ranking officials and ensures uniform treatment of persons who have served the state at the highest level.”
Dependents’ Bill Withdrawn
The Senate also withdrew a separate bill proposing blue passports for former lawmakers’ spouses and dependent children under 28 after treasury members opposed the measure.
Background on Official Passports
Official blue passports are issued to designated constitutional office-holders, government and judicial officials, senior bureaucrats and their eligible dependents. According to the report, they provide visa-free access to 55 countries, including 22 in Europe.
