Islamabad (Pakistan) [India], July 24 (HBTV): Pakistan's passport remains one of the least powerful in the world, offering visa-free access to only 32 destinations, even as several Asian countries top the global rankings, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, Dawn reported.

Pakistan is ranked 96th in the latest index, placing it above countries experiencing ongoing conflict such as Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. While still low, this marks a slight improvement from 2024, when Pakistan’s passport was tied with Yemen as the fourth-worst globally for the fourth consecutive year.

The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on access to 227 destinations. It awards a score of 1 when no visa is required, or when entry is possible with a visa on arrival (VOA), electronic travel authority (ETA), or visitor permit. A score of 0 is assigned when travellers must obtain a visa in advance, including e-visas that require government approval prior to travel.

Singapore continues to lead the index, followed by Japan and South Korea in joint second place. Seven European Union countries share third place: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. Another group of seven countries — Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — tie for fourth place. New Zealand shares fifth place with Greece and Switzerland.

The United Kingdom and the United States both dropped one position since January. Once ranked first globally (UK in 2015 and US in 2014), they now stand at 6th and 10th positions, respectively.

India registered the most significant gain in the latest update, jumping eight places from 85th to 77th in just six months.

(ANI)