In a major technological leap for public services, Pakistan has launched the cutting-edge Shikra system, a real-time passport tracking and monitoring platform designed to modernize, streamline, and secure the country’s passport services. The inauguration took place on January 26, 2026, when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially unveiled the system at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) headquarters in Islamabad.
This development marks one of the most significant upgrades in Pakistan’s passport management infrastructure in recent years—integrating advanced digital technologies, data analytics, and process automation to transform how Pakistanis apply for, track, and receive passports both at home and abroad.
📌 What Is the Shikra System?
Shikra stands for Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge-Based Response Analytics—a state-of-the-art monitoring platform that enables real-time tracking of passport applications, printing, delivery, and internal departmental performance. The system brings together digital dashboards, automated alerts, and integrated analytics to provide authorities and citizens with a transparent, visible, and responsive passport workflow from start to finish.
🛠️ Features and Capabilities of Shikra
The core strength of Shikra lies in its modern, technology-driven components that significantly elevate passport services:
1. Real-Time Monitoring Across the Passport Lifecycle
From the moment an applicant submits their passport application to the final delivery—whether within Pakistan or abroad—every step is tracked in real time. This not only enhances transparency but also enables authorities to quickly identify and resolve bottlenecks in the process.
2. 24/7 Monitoring Room and Dedicated Call Centre
The DGIP has established a round-the-clock monitoring room alongside a fully functional public call centre to assist applicants. This ensures that queries, discrepancies, and status updates are addressed promptly and effectively.
3. Digital Dashboard with Analytics
An integrated digital dashboard provides a birds-eye view of passport operations, staff performance, and internal key performance indicators (KPIs). This empowers administrators to measure efficiency, allocate resources, and make data-informed decisions.
4. Crowd Detection and Network Monitoring
Using automated sensors and intelligent systems, the platform can detect crowd levels at passport offices, monitor machine status, and track backlogs—helping ensure orderly and efficient service delivery.
5. Digitized Emergency Travel Document (ETD) System
Alongside Shikra, the government has fully digitized the system for issuing Emergency Travel Documents, enabling swift issuance when needed without manual intervention.
🇵🇰 What This Means for Citizens
For ordinary Pakistanis, the new Shikra system delivers several immediate, citizen-centric benefits:
🕒 Faster and More Transparent Processing
Applicants can now expect a clearer estimate of how their passport is progressing through various stages. Previously common issues such as uncertainty about processing status or unexplained delays are now significantly reduced thanks to the system’s real-time visibility.
📍 Enhanced Security and Global Compliance
The passport security features have been updated to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, an internationally recognized benchmark for travel documents. This brings Pakistan’s passport services in line with best practices followed by leading countries.
🤖 Automated Production with German Machinery
New automatic German-made printing machines have been installed, enabling a fully automated printing process that eliminates human intervention, reduces errors, and speeds up production.
📞 Better Support Through the Call Centre
The dedicated call centre offers assistance for applicants who have questions or concerns about their passport status, delivery timelines, or specific issues encountered during the process.
🏛️ Leadership and Vision
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, speaking at the inauguration, highlighted that the Shikra system brings Pakistan’s passport services on par with those of technologically advanced nations.
“With this new system, real-time monitoring of passport applications and deliveries—both within Pakistan and abroad—will now be possible,” Naqvi said. “Every stage, from application submission to final delivery, will be closely supervised.”
He emphasized that the government’s broader aim is to provide citizens with faster, safer, and globally standardized services. The upgraded framework, he stated, would push the performance of the passport department to new heights, optimizing operations and enhancing trust in public services.
🧾 Wider Impact and Long-Term Benefits
The introduction of Shikra aligns with global trends where countries are adopting digital governance, data-driven decision-making, and automated public services. Some of the transformative impacts include:
📈 Improved Government Transparency
Real-time monitoring promotes accountability. Citizens are no longer left guessing about where their application stands—government processes become more open and trackable.
👍 Citizen Confidence and Trust
With measurable performance metrics, transparent timelines, and automated systems, the general public’s trust in passport services is likely to increase. Applicants will be more confident that their documents are being processed efficiently and securely.
🌍 Enhanced International Mobility
By aligning security features with ICAO standards and improving processing speed, Pakistani passports will be increasingly trusted by foreign immigration authorities—boosting international mobility for Pakistani travelers.
🛡️ Safeguarding Sensitive Data
In a digital world where data breaches and identity theft are major concerns, Shikra’s secure architecture is designed to protect sensitive citizen data. The integration of hybrid intelligence and secure analytics helps to flag anomalies, tighten security at multiple checkpoints, and prevent unauthorized access to passport records.
🔮 Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
While Shikra represents a major milestone, the modernization of passport services is an ongoing journey. Future enhancements could include:
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Mobile-friendly tracking tools linked directly to Shikra
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SMS and email alerts for every status update
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Expanded online support through AI-powered virtual help assistants
Such improvements would make the experience even more seamless, reducing dependency on in-person visits and further enhancing accessibility.
📝 Conclusion
Pakistan’s launch of the Shikra system marks a pivotal shift toward a modern, transparent, and efficient passport service. By integrating real-time tracking, analytics, and automation, the government has laid the foundation for improved citizen services, alignment with international standards, and higher levels of public trust.
Whether you are applying for the first time, renewing your passport, or tracking your delivery, the Shikra platform promises a smoother, more secure, and more transparent experience than ever before.
Mr. Sabahuddin Qazi is an Islamabad-based media researcher and analyst.
