According to a notification issued by the interior ministry, the decision has been taken in the backdrop of national security concerns and international commitments.

The notification says any individual who has sought asylum or already living on asylum in foreign countries will not be issued passports in the best national interest.

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The notification was issued by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports on the direction of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Copies of the notification have also been sent to the Foreign Ministry and all other departments concerned.