Pakistan Launches Advanced Passport Monitoring System to Speed Up Services and Improve Transparency

Pakistan Launches Advanced Passport Monitoring System to Improve Services

Pakistan has officially launched a state-of-the-art passport monitoring system, marking a major milestone in the digitization of government services. The system, inaugurated by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports in Islamabad, is designed to make passport processing faster, transparent, and highly efficient.

The new platform, named SHIKRA (Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge-based Response Analytics), is a fully digital, real-time monitoring system that tracks every step of the passport issuance process—from application submission to delivery—across Pakistan and its overseas missions.

Key Features of the SHIKRA System

  1. Real-Time Monitoring:
    SHIKRA enables authorities to track every passport application, printing stage, and delivery in real time. This helps identify delays instantly and ensures timely processing.
  2. Digital Dashboards for Performance Management:
    Supervisors and senior officials can monitor the efficiency of staff, detect backlogs, and make data-driven decisions. Performance dashboards provide daily, weekly, and monthly insights into operational metrics.
  3. Automated Passport Printing:
    The system integrates German-manufactured automated printing machines, reducing manual errors and improving the overall speed of passport production.
  4. 24/7 Control Room & Call Center:
    A dedicated control room and round-the-clock helpline ensure continuous monitoring of operations and quick resolution of citizen queries or complaints.
  5. Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs):
    Citizens requiring urgent travel documents benefit from fully digitized ETD processing, significantly reducing turnaround times.
  6. Crowd & Workflow Management:
    SHIKRA can identify office overcrowding, machine malfunctions, and workflow bottlenecks, helping authorities streamline operations and provide better citizen experiences.
  7. Compliance with International Standards:
    The system upgrades passport security features in line with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) regulations, making Pakistani passports more secure and globally recognized.

Benefits for Citizens and Government

  • Faster Processing Times: The automated system accelerates applications, printing, and delivery. Citizens no longer face long waiting periods or uncertainty about their applications.
  • Transparency & Accountability: Real-time tracking ensures each passport application is monitored, reducing the risk of corruption or delays.
  • Improved Customer Support: Citizens can contact the 24/7 call centre for updates or issues, improving satisfaction and trust in government services.
  • Global Recognition: Upgraded security and ICAO-compliant features make Pakistani passports safer and internationally credible.
  • Reduced Backlogs: By identifying operational bottlenecks early, the system can prevent delays before they escalate.

Before SHIKRA, Pakistan’s passport system faced frequent delays, manual errors, and a lack of proper tracking, causing frustration among citizens both at home and abroad. The launch of this advanced digital monitoring system is part of a broader government initiative to modernize public services, align with global best practices, and boost citizen trust in digital governance.

This initiative reflects Pakistan’s commitment to e-government transformation, enabling authorities to leverage data analytics, AI monitoring, and automation for faster, transparent, and accountable service delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main purpose of SHIKRA?
SHIKRA is designed to streamline passport issuance, improve transparency, reduce processing times, and enhance citizen experience through real-time digital monitoring.

2. Who can benefit from the new system?
All Pakistani citizens applying for passports locally and overseas will benefit from faster and more secure passport processing.

3. How does SHIKRA improve transparency?
The system tracks every step of the passport process, providing supervisors and citizens with real-time updates and dashboards, reducing errors and delays.

4. Are emergency travel documents affected?
Yes, ETD issuance is fully digitised, making it faster for citizens in urgent situations.

5. Does this make Pakistani passports more secure internationally?
Absolutely. Enhanced security features comply with ICAO standards, boosting global recognition and reducing risks of fraud.

6. How will the government monitor staff performance?
Digital dashboards allow officials to evaluate staff efficiency, detect bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

The launch of Pakistan’s advanced passport monitoring system is a game-changer in public service delivery. By combining real-time monitoring, automation, and digital dashboards, the government aims to provide a faster, safer, and more transparent passport service. This move not only enhances citizen satisfaction but also positions Pakistan as a country embracing digital governance and global best practices in immigration management.

Related News