title:SHIKRA Passport System:Pakistan Modernizes Passport and ImmigrationSystem
ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has inaugurated atransformative state-of-the-art monitoring system at the DirectorateGeneral of Immigration and Passports marking a significant leap in passportservices. This development introduces real-time tracking enhanced securityand reduced processing delays promising substantial relief to millions ofoverseas Pakistanis who rely on timely passport renewals for employmenttravel and family visits. The initiative aligns with global standards andeliminates longstanding bottlenecks in the system.
The newly launched SHIKRA system Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledgeand Real-time Application enables comprehensive oversight of passportapplications from submission to delivery. Officials briefed the ministerthat this technology facilitates 24/7 monitoring through a dedicatedcontrol room and operational call centre addressing previous complaintsabout lack of transparency and updates. For overseas Pakistanis scatteredacross the Middle East Europe and North America such visibility means feweruncertainties during urgent travel needs or visa processes.
A key highlight of the visit was the activation of a modern 24/7 monitoringroom equipped for continuous performance evaluation. The minister directedthe full digitisation of the emergency travel document system streamliningprocedures for citizens facing immediate crises abroad. This upgradeparticularly benefits expatriates encountering passport loss expiry oremergencies as it reduces reliance on manual interventions and acceleratesissuance reducing wait times significantly.
During the inspection Minister Naqvi toured the forensic laboratoryadvanced production unit and e-monitoring facilities. He emphasized thatpassport security features now fully comply with International CivilAviation Organization ICAO standards incorporating biometric enhancementsand anti-forgery measures. These improvements enhance the document’s globalacceptance crucial for overseas Pakistanis seeking international mobilityjob opportunities and hassle-free border crossings.
The integration of advanced German machinery has automated the passportprinting process completely removing human interference and minimizingerrors. This shift boosts departmental capacity allowing higher volumes ofpassports to be processed efficiently. With millions of Pakistanis livingand working overseas many in Gulf countries where passport validitydirectly impacts residency and employment contracts faster renewalstranslate into economic stability and reduced administrative burdens.
The minister stated that citizens are now assured of world-class swift andsecure services reflecting the government’s commitment to modernizingpublic institutions. Real-time monitoring ensures accountability at everystage preventing delays and corruption often reported in earlier systems.For the diaspora this means greater confidence in consular andpassport-related interactions with Pakistani missions abroad.
Read Top Stories
Overseas Pakistanis form a vital part of the national economy throughremittances exceeding billions annually. Delays in passport services havehistorically caused financial losses missed flights job disruptions andfamily separations. The SHIKRA system’s real-time tracking and digitizedemergency protocols directly mitigate these issues enabling expatriates toplan travel renewals without prolonged anxiety or costly extensions abroad.
Furthermore the upgrades position Pakistan’s passport system on par withinternational benchmarks potentially supporting future improvements inglobal passport rankings and visa facilitations. As security features meetICAO requirements the document gains credibility reducing secondaryverifications at foreign borders. This development fosters smootherinternational engagement for Pakistani professionals students and familiesmaintaining ties with their homeland.
The inauguration underscores a broader push toward digital governance inimmigration services. By prioritizing efficiency transparency and securitythe initiative not only resolves domestic processing challenges but alsoextends meaningful advantages to the global Pakistani community. Asimplementation rolls out applicants both at home and overseas can expectnoticeably improved experiences in obtaining this essential travel document.
SHIKRA system
ogimageimage-name
