Did Pakistan Improve on the Latest Henley Passport Index? The Reality Behind the Claims
Pakistan’s passport recently became a subject of public discussion after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on social media that its global ranking had improved dramatically, jumping from 126th to 98th. The statement was widely shared and amplified by several news outlets, creating the impression that Pakistani passport holders now enjoy significantly better global mobility.
However, a closer look at the official data from the 2026 Henley Passport Index presents a more nuanced and less optimistic picture.
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Pakistan is currently ranked 98th in the world. While this number appears to suggest an improvement, Pakistan is tied at this position with Yemen, making it jointly the fourth weakest passport globally. Only Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan rank lower.
In practical terms, Pakistani passport holders can travel visa-free or obtain a visa-on-arrival to just 31 countries. This figure has not changed since October 2025, indicating that there has been no real expansion in visa-free access or travel privileges.
The widely circulated claim that Pakistan climbed from 126th to 98th is also factually incorrect. Historical Henley data shows that Pakistan’s lowest ranking over the past two decades was 113th in 2021. At no point was Pakistan ranked 126th on the index.
Part of the confusion stems from how the Henley Passport Index is structured. Multiple countries often share the same rank due to identical visa-free access scores. As a result, when rankings shift slightly, it can appear as though a country has made a large leap, even when the actual change is marginal.
In Pakistan’s case, the movement from around 102nd to 98th reflects a minor numerical adjustment rather than a meaningful improvement in global mobility. The number of destinations accessible without a prior visa remains unchanged, which is the core metric that truly matters to travelers.
Despite the optimistic messaging, Pakistan’s passport continues to rank among the weakest in the world. The underlying challenges affecting global mobility, including diplomatic relations, economic stability, and international trust, remain largely unaddressed.
While incremental changes in rankings may offer symbolic reassurance, they do not translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens. Without an increase in visa-free destinations or simplified travel access, claims of major improvement risk overstating the reality.
In summary, although Pakistan’s passport is now listed at 98th on the Henley Passport Index 2026, there has been no actual enhancement in travel freedom. The global standing remains largely the same, underscoring the need for long-term policy reforms rather than headline-driven optimism.
