‘Shikra’: Pakistan launches new digital passport system for real-time monitoring
Emergency travel document issuance now fully digitised and streamlined
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has rolled out a new technology-driven system to enable real-time monitoring of passport applications, printing, and service delivery across the country and overseas.
The platform, known as ‘Shikra’, has been introduced at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports as part of broader efforts to modernise public services and strengthen operational transparency. Designed to align passport operations with international benchmarks, the system allows continuous oversight from application submission to final delivery.
The Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge-Based Response Analytics system was inaugurated during a visit to the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was briefed in detail on its operational scope and digital capabilities.
Digital transformation
As part of the upgrade, a 24/7 monitoring room and a dedicated call centre have been made operational at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports. These facilities allow uninterrupted supervision of passport processing activities while also enabling citizens to access real-time information and support.
اسلام آباد:وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کا ڈائریکٹوریٹ جنرل امیگریشن اینڈ پاسپورٹس کا دورہ
— Directorate General Immigration & Passports (@DGIPofficial) January 26, 2026
وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی نے پاسپورٹس کی درخواستوں،پرنٹنگ اور کارکردگی کے جدید ترین مانیٹرنگ نظام '' شکرا'' کا باقاعدہ افتتاح کردیا pic.twitter.com/Y4ezOWhD5R
On the minister’s directives, the issuance of Emergency Travel Documents has also been fully digitised, reducing manual intervention and improving response times for urgent travel needs.
Operational efficiency
Under the new system, passport applications and deliveries can now be monitored in real time both within Pakistan and at missions abroad. Every stage of the process is supervised through an integrated digital dashboard that tracks daily operations, staff performance, and application volumes. Crowd levels at passport offices are detected automatically, while a Network Management System continuously monitors backlogs and the operational status of machinery across facilities.
Minister Naqvi commended the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and its team for introducing a modern, technology-based monitoring framework. He said the upgraded system would further enhance departmental efficiency and help deliver fast, safe, and globally standardised services to citizens.
Security upgrades
The interior minister also highlighted significant improvements in passport security features, which have been upgraded to meet ICAO international standards.
New automatic German printing machines have increased production capacity, eliminated human involvement in the printing process, and strengthened overall reliability.
During the visit, the minister toured the e-monitoring room, call centre, forensic laboratory, and modern production unit, where officials demonstrated how the system supports enhanced verification and secure document issuance.