ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday inaugurated a “state-of-the-art” monitoring system for passport applications, printing, and overall performance at the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports.
The minister was briefed in detail on the “Secure Hybrid Intelligence for Knowledge-based Response Analytics” (SHIKRA) system. According to a statement, a 24/7 monitoring room and call centre have also been made operational at the directorate.
On the directives of the interior minister, the emergency travel document system has also been digitised.
Mr Naqvi commended the Immigration and Passports director general and his team for introducing a technology-driven, modern monitoring system.
The minister stated that Pakistan’s passport system has now been aligned with international best practices.
Naqvi says aim is to provide citizens with secure and globally compliant services
Under the new system, real-time monitoring of passport applications and deliveries, both within Pakistan and abroad, will be possible.
Every stage, from application submission to final delivery, will be monitored.
Objective
“Our objective is to ensure the provision of fast, secure, and globally compliant services to citizens. The modern monitoring system will further enhance the performance of the passport department,” he said.
The security features of the Pakistani passport have been upgraded in accordance with ICAO standards.
The introduction of advanced automatic German machines has increased departmental capacity, while the automated passport printing process has completely eliminated human intervention.
The interior minister also visited the e-monitoring room, call centre, forensic lab, and modern production unit. During the briefing, officials informed him that the digital integrated dashboard will enable monitoring and evaluation of daily operations and staff performance.
Under the new monitoring system, automatic identification of crowding at passport offices will be possible. The Network Management System will also monitor backlogs and machinery status.
Apart from the Immigration and Passports DG, the Federal Investigation Agency DG, the Islamabad chief commissioner, the Islamabad Capital Territory police chief, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2026
