ISLAMABAD, September 27 — The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced several new digital services on the Pak Hajj App, allowing government Hajj pilgrims to change their package duration and accommodation preferences and complete other key procedures without visiting ministry offices or banks.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the new features have been developed through the Pak Hajj App and Hajj Portal, created by the National Information Technology Board (NITB), as part of efforts to make Hajj arrangements increasingly paperless and accessible online.
Pilgrims can change Hajj package online
Successful applicants under the Government Hajj Scheme can now submit online requests to switch from a long Hajj package to a short package or from a short package to a long one.
Pilgrims can also modify their accommodation preferences and choose between separate two-bed or three-bed rooms, family rooms for groups of four to six people, or shared accommodation.
The ministry said the changes are intended to give pilgrims greater flexibility in selecting arrangements according to their individual and family requirements.
Medical fitness certificate goes digital
A new online facility has also been introduced for submitting medical fitness certificates.
Pilgrims can download and print the medical fitness certificate through the Pak Hajj App, have it verified by an authorised doctor and then upload the certified document through the app or Hajj Portal.
Overseas Pakistani pilgrims can similarly obtain a medical fitness certificate from an authorised doctor near them and upload it through the Pak Hajj App.
Mahram, helper and cancellation requests available online
Successful Hajj applicants can now apply for a mahram or helper under the hardship quota through the Pak Hajj App and Hajj Portal.
Pilgrims unable to perform Hajj due to unavoidable circumstances can also use the digital system to cancel their application and initiate the process for a refund of deposited funds.
The ministry said the expansion of paperless services is aimed at reducing unnecessary visits to government offices and banks, as well as eliminating queues and waiting times for routine Hajj-related matters.
Private Hajj bookings continue through digital portal
Meanwhile, bookings under the Private Hajj Scheme are continuing through the NITB-developed Digital Hajj Portal.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has advised prospective pilgrims to make private Hajj bookings and payments only through the official digital portal and avoid paying individuals, companies or unauthorised intermediaries outside the system.
Pilgrims have also been advised to verify the status of their Hajj operator and the availability of seats through the official portal before making any payment.
According to the ministry, around 26,000 applications under the Private Hajj Scheme have been completed so far, while 45,000 seats are available.
It said around 45 per cent of private Hajj pilgrims have used the 1LINK facility available through the digital portal to deposit approximately Rs10 billion online.
The ministry reiterated that prospective pilgrims should use only authorised channels and the official digital system for private Hajj bookings and payments.