Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially launched the state-of-the-art SHIKRA system (Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge Band Response Analytics) to modernize Pakistan’s passport services, making the process faster, more transparent, and aligned with global standards.

The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports now also operates a 24/7 monitoring room and call center, enabling real-time oversight of passport applications, printing, and delivery. Following the minister’s instructions, the Emergency Travel Document (ETD) system has been fully digitized.

Minister Naqvi received a detailed briefing on SHIKRA and praised the DG Immigration & Passports team for introducing the technology-driven system. He emphasized that every stage, from application to passport delivery, can now be monitored to ensure efficiency and transparency.

“The goal is to provide citizens with fast, secure, and globally standardized services,” Naqvi said, adding that the system will significantly improve departmental performance.

Security features of Pakistani passports have been upgraded in line with ICAO standards, and automated German machinery has increased printing capacity while eliminating human intervention in the process.

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The minister also toured the e-monitoring room, call center, forensic lab, and modern production unit. Through a digital integrated dashboard, daily operations, staff performance, and passport office backlogs can now be tracked in real time. The system can even detect crowding automatically and monitor the status of machinery across offices.

The inauguration was attended by DG FIA, DG Immigration & Passports, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, IG Islamabad Police, and other senior officials. Officials believe SHUKRA will transform Pakistan’s passport services into a secure, efficient, and globally competitive system.