Overall Rank: #189 out of 199 countries
Pakistan ranks #189 out of 199 countries and territories in the Globevisa Passport Ranking, placing it in the low-ranking category. Across the five core dimensions — Mobility (#196), Governance (#180), Security (#142), Education (#148), and Quality of Life (#167) — Pakistan performs strongest in security (#142), followed by education (#148). Its weakest dimension is mobility (#196).
Mobility: #196 (score 2/100), Governance: #180 (score 10/100), Security: #142 (score 29/100), Education: #148 (score 26/100), Quality of Life: #167 (score 17/100)
Pakistan ranks #189 globally in the 2026 Globevisa Passport Ranking, which evaluates 199 countries and territories worldwide. Unlike traditional passport indices that focus solely on visa-free destination counts, the Globevisa Passport Ranking provides a comprehensive structural assessment across five core dimensions: Mobility, Governance, Security, Education, and Quality of Life. Pakistan shows a relatively balanced profile across all dimensions. However, Security (#142) and Education (#148) and Quality of Life (#167) and Governance (#180) and Mobility (#196) represent structural areas of concern.
Country Overview: Pakistan is a South Asian emerging market with restricted immigration policies and significant economic and stability challenges. / Limited mobility passport with restricted immigration pathways (Not currently recommended).
Identity Attributes: Not Recommended
Global Taxation: Yes (Worldwide Taxation)
Cost of Living: Low
Culture & Adaptation: Moderate English proficiency in urban business circles; significant cultural distance due to strong religious and traditional norms; challenging adaptation for international residents unaccustomed to conservative social structures.
Employment & Development: Economy led by services and textiles with emerging growth in IT and infrastructure; targeted opportunities for foreign experts in technical and managerial roles; barriers include significant economic volatility and strict work permit requirements.
Holding a Pakistani passport does not provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or the United States, requiring formal visa applications for entry into these major global destinations. Internationally, the passport has limited mobility and is subject to rigorous security-related vetting, reflecting restricted diplomatic reach and stringent entry requirements. Given the current geopolitical landscape and security considerations, the document faces significant scrutiny from major regions, and any expansion of visa-free privileges remains unlikely for the foreseeable future.
Pakistan’s immigration and visa policies are relatively volatile, characterized by sudden administrative shifts and a history of restructuring to align with changing national security and economic priorities. For instance, the recent suspension of the Visa Prior to Arrival program for numerous nationalities illustrates how streamlined entry pathways can be abruptly replaced by more rigorous and costly electronic visa requirements. Applicants may face increasing scrutiny as the government balances its desire for foreign investment with international compliance pressures and heightened vetting standards. Consequently, future regulatory changes could impact processing times and eligibility, necessitating a cautious approach for those seeking long-term status in the country.
Pakistan's political and security landscape is characterized by periodic volatility and persistent challenges from militant activity, though the country maintains functioning state institutions and active urban centers. Significant regional disparities exist, as major cities like Islamabad and Lahore offer relative stability and modern infrastructure while border provinces such as Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are considered high-risk zones. Security is managed through a multi-tiered system involving local police, the military, and specialized counter-terrorism units, although the practical consistency of legal enforcement can vary. In major metropolitan areas, personal and property safety is often further supported by localized security measures and restricted-access residential communities.