Passport Status & Tracking

Passport SMS 9988 Alerts: How to Get Them

Quick answer: 9988 is DGIP's status alert service: it sends SMS updates about your passport to the mobile number you give at the data-entry stage of your application. Overseas applicants receive the same updates by email through Email Rabta. DGIP does not publish a format for texting your token or CNIC to 9988 to ask for a status. For questions, call the helpline on 051-111-344-777.

Written by M. Junaid Masood · Updated 9 October 2026

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How 9988 alerts work

Give a valid mobile number at data entry. This is step 4 at the passport office. Overseas applicants should give a valid email address for Email Rabta.
Check the printed data-entry form before you sign it. Make sure the number is correct; once your data is saved, changes mean restarting the application.
Keep that SIM active. DGIP sends updates as your application moves forward, including when your passport is dispatched.
Collect when told. Go to the passport office on the given date with your original token, or wait for home delivery if you chose it.

9988 vs Email Rabta vs the helpline

Channel	Who it's for	Direction
SMS from 9988	Applicants inside Pakistan	DGIP sends updates to you
Email Rabta	Overseas Pakistanis	DGIP emails updates to you
Helpline 051-111-344-777	Everyone	You call to ask about your case

Not receiving 9988 messages?

Most likely cause: no number was recorded

Look at the data-entry form you signed to see which mobile number was saved. If it's missing or wrong, call the helpline with your token number and CNIC, Monday to Friday 8:30–16:30, or ask at the office where you applied. A number that has been switched off or ported can also miss messages.

For other problems, such as a status that hasn't changed for weeks, see our fixes for status problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I text my token number to 9988 to get my status?

DGIP describes 9988 as a service that sends status updates to the number recorded at data entry, and doesn't publish a format for requesting status by text. Use the helpline if you need an update.

Do overseas applicants get 9988 messages?

DGIP says Email Rabta informs overseas Pakistanis about their passport status by email, as long as a correct email address was given at data entry.

Can I add my mobile number after applying?

DGIP doesn't describe a way to do this. Ask the helpline or your passport office.

Sources

Official sources checked 9 October 2026.