ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced several new digital features on the ‘Pak Hajj App’ to significantly facilitate Hajj pilgrims.
According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, these features allow pilgrims to finalize their Hajj arrangements from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for office visits, queues, or waiting.
Pilgrims can now use the app to modify their package duration (switching between long and short packages) and select or update their accommodation preferences such as two-bed, three-bed, family room, or shared lodging.
Several key measures have been implemented to ensure convenience for pilgrims and maintain transparency.
Pilgrims can download and print their medical fitness certificates from the Pak Hajj App to have them verified by an authorized doctor; subsequently, uploading the verified certificate back to the app or the Hajj portal is mandatory.
Overseas Pakistanis may also have their certificates verified by a local doctor and upload them.
Successful Hajj pilgrims are also provided the facility to submit applications for a *Mahram* (male guardian) or a helper under the hardship quota.
A feature allowing pilgrims to cancel their Hajj application and claim a refund due to unforeseen circumstances or personal exigencies has also been incorporated into the app.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has clarified that the booking process for private Hajj packages is also underway via the National IT Board’s digital Hajj portal.
The spokesperson warned that any private Hajj booking or payment made outside of the official Hajj portal is strictly prohibited.
According to the spokesperson, 26,000 applications have been completed so far under the private Hajj scheme, while 45,000 seats are still available.
