Pakistan Passport Ranked Among Weakest Globally, Fourth Year In Row As Travel Freedom Shrinks

International News: Pakistan’s passport has once again made headlines for the wrong reasons. According to the Henley Passport Index, it is now the fourth weakest passport in the entire world. This ranking has remained unchanged for the past four years. A Pakistani passport holder can travel visa-free to only 31 countries out of 227 destinations.

This has created disappointment for citizens who wish to travel abroad for work, education, or leisure. For many Pakistanis, foreign travel has become both expensive and difficult. The ranking highlights Pakistan’s poor global image.

Only Three Countries Ranked Lower

Pakistan’s passport is ranked 103rd globally, tied with Yemen. This means it is stronger than only three countries in the world. Iraq is placed at 104th, whose citizens can enter 29 destinations without a visa. Next is Syria at 105th, where holders can access just 26 countries. Afghanistan stands at the bottom with rank 106th, offering visa-free travel to only 24 nations. For Pakistan, this is a clear indication of weak international standing. Experts say unless the country improves its reputation, the ranking may not improve soon.

Asian Nations Dominate Top Spots

While Pakistan struggles, Asian countries dominate the global passport list. Singapore has retained its top position, with visa-free entry to 193 destinations. South Korea holds the second rank with 190 visa-free options. Japan is third, offering access to 189 countries.

After them, European nations like Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland appear in the top five. These passports open doors across the world for their citizens. The contrast with Pakistan is sharp, showing how far behind it has fallen. Travel freedom has become a symbol of national strength.

United States Drops Out Of Top Ten

This year’s list also delivered surprises for big powers. The United States, once the strongest passport in 2014, has now slipped to 12th place. American citizens can travel to 180 destinations visa-free. This is the first time in 20 years that the US has dropped out of the global top ten. Britain too has seen a fall, moving down to eighth position. Experts say global politics and stricter visa rules are changing passport values quickly. This shift has surprised many who once believed Western passports would remain dominant.

United Arab Emirates Shows Growth

While Pakistan and some Western countries have fallen, the UAE has shown strong progress. For the first time last year, the UAE passport entered the top ten. This year, it has climbed further to eighth place, with access to 184 destinations. The rise of the UAE passport reflects its growing economic and diplomatic influence. Citizens of the UAE now enjoy travel freedom in nearly every continent. This development has created pride among Emiratis. It also shows how smaller nations can improve rankings with smart policies.

India Faces A Disappointing Drop

India too has suffered a setback in this year’s Henley Index. Last year, the Indian passport was ranked 80th, but now it has slipped to 85th position. Indian citizens can currently travel visa-free to 57 countries. This decline has been seen as disappointing for a nation with rising global ambitions. China also experienced a fall, moving down from 59th to 64th place. Its visa-free access has dropped from 85 to 82 destinations. Both India and China now face the challenge of improving their international mobility.

Pakistan’s Future Looks Concerning

For Pakistan, the weak passport ranking is more than just an embarrassment. It reflects international concerns over security, governance, and terrorism. Without major reforms and stronger diplomatic ties, the situation is unlikely to improve. Citizens will continue facing difficulties in global travel. The Henley Passport Index has made it clear that Pakistan’s global image is not improving. This is the fourth consecutive year it has remained in the bottom group. Unless major changes are made, the Pakistani passport may remain one of the weakest worldwide.