On the 13th May 2016, Chaudhry Nisar, the Minister of Interior, declared that Pakistani citizens will be issued e-passports by the next year to curb widespread forgery of travelling documents and also human trafficking. This statement was soon followed by a procurement activity at Directorate General of Immigration and Passport. Multiple reputable international companies participated in the bid; however, the process was challenged in Islamabad High Court due to questions raised over transparency of the procurement process.

For months, the hearing of case was conducted and the final hearing was held at the end of February 2017. The parties argued in the court over their individual points defending their stances and seeking justice from the honourable high court. Even after a period of 100 days since the last hearing, no decision from the court has been announced.

The promise of Minister of Interior on the delivery of next generation of passports seems to be a comfort to a fool. In addition, the silence of the court raises questions about Pakistan's economic landscape for international companies willing to invest in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017