The correct answer is 1960.While Pakistan became independent in 1947, the modern structured passport system we recognize today underwent significant changes during the Ayub Khan regime. The first official Pakistani passport under his administration was issued in 1960.
Historical Context:
- Post-Independence (1947–1950s): Immediately after 1947, many people continued to use British Indian passports with "Pakistan" stamped on them, or simple travel documents issued for specific purposes (like the Indo-Pak travel permit).
- The Ayub Khan Era: President Ayub Khan sought to modernize Pakistan's administration. In 1960, the government formalized the passport issuance process to reflect the country's sovereign identity more clearly on the international stage.
Key Milestones in Pakistani Passports:
- 1960: Issuance of the first modernized passport under the Ayub Khan regime.
- 1973: Under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the passport system was further overhauled to include more security features and standardized formats.
- 2004: Pakistan launched its first Machine Readable Passport (MRP).
- 2023: Pakistan officially began issuing E-Passports with biometric chips.
Comparison of the Options:
- 1973: This was a major year for passport reform under the Bhutto government, but it was not during the Ayub Khan era (which ended in 1969).
- 1960: The correct answer; the year the passport system was standardized under Ayub Khan's "Decade of Development."
- 1963: While Ayub Khan was still in power, the initial issuance and policy shift began in 1960.
- 1970: This was during the transitional military government of Yahya Khan.
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