The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is the biggest human gathering globally, with nearly 926,000 pilgrims in 2022. Hajj to Mecca in Saudi Arabia is believed as the world’s largest human gathering, with almost 926 thousand pilgrims in 2023. On average, more than 2 million Muslims perform the pilgrimage a year. Pakistan is the 2nd largest Muslim country in the world, with a Muslim population of over 204 million. Hajj’s operation became digitalized when the PAK HAJJ APP was launched by MoITT. Hajj operations for pilgrims are now digital, as a new mobile app was developed in record time by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to help Hajj pilgrims. In this research article, our Tashheer research team explains how the Hajj operation has become digitalized as the Pak Hajj App. The app has been developed for Android and iPhone users and will be available for individuals to download a few months before Hajj starts.
Read more about the transition from visa stickers to QR codes in Saudi Arabia for Pakistan and other selected countries in our detailed article on Saudi Arabia to Replace Visa Stickers with QR Codes.
Purpose of the Application
This app allows pilgrims to view their Hajj training schedules, including times, dates, and locations. The main purpose of this Pak Hujj App is to provide easy access to essential information, such as the pilgrim’s Hajj group, flight information, accommodation details, and important landmarks in Makkah and Madinah. This app also provides step-by-step instructions for performing the Hajj rituals, along with interactive maps to help pilgrims navigate holy places.
Registration Process
The first step is to download the “Pak Hajj App” from the relevant app store, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Upon opening the app, users would be encouraged to create an account. They may need to provide basic information, such as their name, contact details, email address, and passport information. To ensure the security and validity of the registration process, users may need to verify their email address or phone number through a verification code, or OTP sent to them via email or SMS. The user gets a unique ID, which is their CNIC and application number. Pilgrims can look at and change their personal info, such as phone number and ID details.
Personal Information Updates
After account creation and verification, users are prompted to set up their profile within the app. This may include providing additional personal information such as date of birth, nationality, and any specific requirements or preferences related to their Hajj journey. Once the profile setup is complete, users can proceed to register for the Hajj pilgrimage through the app.
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Key Features of the Application
Pak Hajj App is designed to be a one-stop destination for Pakistani pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. Highlighting the important features of this app, Dr. Umar Saif said that this application allows pilgrims to register using OTP, which is received through SMS. He further explains the key features of this app which include:
Real-Time Application Status Updates
The app could provide real-time safety alerts, such as weather warnings, crowd management advisories, or emergencies. These alerts help pilgrims stay informed about potential risks and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety during the Hajj journey. It also enables Hajj pilgrims to see their Hajj application status i.e. (submitted, refunded, unsuccessful, successful) in real-time updates.
Group Information Access
The app gathers details from the form you fill out, including group information, personal information, helper information, Mehram information, nominee information, Hajj dues, and the applicant’s bank account details.
Hajj Training Schedules
The app should offer a series of training modules covering various aspects of the Hajj pilgrimage, including rituals, logistical information, safety guidelines, and cultural sensitivities. These modules can be presented in multimedia formats such as videos, interactive presentations, and textual guides. The app should also provide tips, guidelines, and alerts related to health, safety, and hygiene during the Hajj journey, including information about vaccinations, common illnesses, and preventive measures.
Flight Details
This app lets pilgrims check their flight details, including flight numbers, departure cities, dates, and times for departure and return. It also provides real-time updates on flight statuses, including delays, cancellations, or changes in departure gates. Pilgrims receive travel alerts and advisories pertinent to their flight routes such as weather conditions, security updates, or airspace restrictions. If you are traveling and need convenient payment solutions, explore our guide on the Top 8 Mobile Wallet Apps in Pakistan for seamless transactions on the go.
Accommodation Information
It presents details about accommodations in Makkah and Madina including sectors, buildings, and rooms, Additionally, it provides information about the Maktab (camp) location and allows pilgrims to check their Hajj dues status and refund status. Pilgrims can lodge complaints, requests, and inquiries, and easily track and manage them.
Complaint Submission and Tracking
The app should include a dedicated section or form where pilgrims can submit their complaints. This form should allow users to describe their complaint in detail including relevant information such as the nature of the issue, date, time, location, etc.
Multilingual Support
The app supports multiple languages, enabling Pakistani pilgrims to switch to their preferred languages (English and Urdu) for better comprehension and usability. The app should dynamically adapt its content including text, images, and audio to the selected language, ensuring that all interface elements, instructional materials, guides, and notifications are presented in the user’s chosen language.
Offline Maps Feature
It also offers offline maps for pilgrims to select the shortest routes, share locations, and add multiple destinations. This allows users to pre-download maps of Hajj sites, including the holy mosques in Mecca and Medina. Offline maps should include markers or points of interest highlighting key locations such as the Kaaba, Safa, and Marwa hills, Jamarat, and other important sites associated with Hajj rituals. Users can tap on these markers to view additional information about each location.
Overview of all features of the Pak Hajj App, listed as
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Registration Process | Pilgrims download the app from app stores, create an account, and verify their details using OTP. |
| Personal Information Updates | Pilgrims can update personal details like contact information and passport details. |
| Real-Time Status Updates | Provides real-time updates on application status, flight details, and accommodation information. |
| Group Information Access | Accesses group details including helper information, Mehram details, nominee information, Hajj dues, and bank account details. |
| Hajj Training Schedules | Offers training modules covering Hajj rituals, logistical information, safety guidelines, and cultural sensitivities. |
| Flight Details | Displays flight information such as flight numbers, departure cities, dates, and real-time updates on flight status. |
| Accommodation Information | Provides details about accommodations in Makkah and Madina, Maktab locations, and Hajj dues status. |
| Complaint Submission | Allows pilgrims to submit complaints, track their status and manage them efficiently. |
| Multilingual Support | Supports multiple languages (English and Urdu) for better accessibility and understanding. |
| Offline Maps Feature | Offers offline maps for navigating Hajj sites with markers for key locations and additional information. |
Final Words
Approximately 1.8 billion people in the world are Muslims. According to recent data conducted, Pakistan has over 242 million believers of Islam. This year, Saudi Arabia allowed Pakistan to send the same number of pilgrims for Hajj as before the coronavirus pandemic, which is 179,210 people. They also removed the age limit of 65 years for performing Hajj. In 2023, over 81,000 Pakistanis went for Hajj through the government’s program, and the rest chose private tour operators. Digitalization of Hajj operations through the Pak Hajj App marks a significant advancement in facilitating pilgrim’s journey to Mecca. In this research article, our Tashheer team compiled all the features and functions of this Hujj App that facilitates the pilgrimage process for millions of Pakistani Muslims. This mobile app serves as a one-stop solution for Hajj applicants and pilgrims, providing easy access to all relevant information and services.
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