Pakistan introduces ‘SHIKRA’ to track passport applications in real time

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the new “SHIKRA” system for real-time monitoring of passport applications on Monday.

The minister visited the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports and was briefed on SHIKRA (Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge-Based Response Analytics), a system designed to modernize passport tracking, printing, and overall monitoring.

The new system allows real-time tracking of passport applications and deliveries. It includes a 24/7 monitoring room and an active call center to improve service speed and accessibility for citizens.

Minister Naqvi praised the directorate for using modern technology to streamline operations. He said, “With this new system, Pakistan’s passport services now meet international standards, offering fast, secure, and globally competitive services.”

Emergency Travel Documents Go Digital

The emergency travel document system has also been digitized, speeding up critical services. Passport printing is now automated with German machinery, reducing human involvement and improving efficiency.

Other features of the system include:

• A digital dashboard to monitor daily operations and performance.

• Automatic detection of congestion at passport offices.

• A network management system to track machinery and backlogs for smoother workflows.

Naqvi said these reforms would improve service delivery while keeping high-security standards in line with ICAO regulations.