Minister Reveals Plan For Digitizing Hajj, Major Changes Ahead

Islamabad – The forthcoming Hajj in the upcoming year will undergo digitization for enhanced efficiency and pilgrim convenience, it was revealed on Wednesday.

Aneeq Ahmed, the caretaker minister for religious affairs, met with Umar Saif, the caretaker minister for Information Technology, to discuss a plan to eliminate paper processes in the Hajj operation.

Read more : Government Aims To Decrease The Count Of Private Hajj Organizers

The religious affairs minister explained that the digitization efforts would involve the creation of a mobile application, offering pilgrims comprehensive information and tracking features during their pilgrimage in the holy kingdom.

“We will develop a live mobile app for the convenience of pilgrims, enabling them to access all necessary details and tracking features,” said Ahmed in a statement from the religious ministry. He emphasized the aim to make Hajj operations entirely digitized and paperless, adding that a computerized system would be implemented to help pilgrims monitor their financial transactions and movements during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, plans were made to improve the functionality of the management information system for private Hajj groups.

Umar Saif announced Pakistan’s intention to create a web portal featuring “independent reviews” from pilgrims, allowing them to provide digital feedback on Hajj operations and facilities.

This decision to digitize Hajj operations follows Aneeq Ahmed’s visit to the Holy Kingdom, during which discussions with Saudi officials explored ways to enhance pilgrim facilities using information technology, as exemplified by Saudi Arabia’s use of applications like Nusuk for pilgrims.

Previously, the religious affairs ministry had also announced plans to introduce a short-term Hajj package lasting 18-20 days to provide ease and affordability to pilgrims. This initiative aims to provide an alternative to the typically 40-day government scheme, which can be expensive.