Islamabad:
Pakistan on Monday launched SHIKRA, a new digital system designed to enable real-time monitoring and performance analytics across the country’s passport operations, as part of broader efforts to modernise public services.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the system at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, where he was briefed on its operational framework and technological capabilities.
What Is SHIKRA
SHIKRA, short for Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge-Based Response Analytics, is aimed at digitising and overseeing the entire passport lifecycle — from application submission to final printing. The platform integrates live tracking, advanced analytics and automated reporting to improve efficiency and transparency.
Officials said the system includes a 24/7 monitoring room and a dedicated call centre, allowing authorities to respond quickly to delays, complaints and operational bottlenecks.
Automation and Digital Upgrades
As part of the reform package, the passport directorate has fully automated the passport printing process using German-made machinery, eliminating manual intervention and reducing processing times. Emergency travel documents have also been shifted to a digital system, significantly speeding up urgent cases.
A centralised digital dashboard now tracks daily performance, machine health and application backlogs. The system can automatically identify congestion at passport offices, enabling officials to take immediate corrective measures.
Meeting Global Standards
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said SHIKRA would bring Pakistan’s passport services in line with international best practices and ensure strict compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Officials described the initiative as a key step towards improving service delivery, strengthening document security and restoring public confidence in the passport issuance process.
