Over 70,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims registered on the ‘Pak Hajj App,’ launched last year to assist pilgrims throughout their spiritual journey, the state news agency APP reported on May 28.
The app, developed jointly by Pakistan’s IT Ministry and the National Information Technology Board (NITB), was launched last December for both Android and iPhone users. It aims to provide comprehensive support and information to pilgrims, making the Hajj experience smoother and more organized.
“Pak Hajj App, through which online monitoring of all Hajj-related activities is performed, has received an overwhelming response in a short span of time, with over 70,000 active intending Pakistani Hajj pilgrims registered so far,” according to the official statement.
“Through this online service, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has received more than 20,000 suggestions/queries/complaints, which have been responded/resolved and disposed of in an efficient manner.”
Key features of Pak Hajj App
The app offers a range of services and information, including personal details of pilgrims, group information, details about volunteers and additional facilities, Hajj dues, nominee information, and bank account details.
Pilgrims can view their Hajj training schedules, flight details, and accommodation information in Makkah and Madinah through the app. It also allows them to check Hajj dues and refund statuses and submit complaints, requests, and general inquiries. Initially, the app supports English and Urdu, with the potential to add more languages.
This year, around 179,210 Pakistanis are set to perform Hajj under both government and private schemes, with the pilgrimage scheduled from June 14 to June 19.
“It was established for improved coordination among all wings and departments of the Pakistan Hajj Mission to extend maximum facilities to intending Pakistani pilgrims,” DG Facilitation Cell and Complaint Management System in-charge Muhammad Ahmed Usmani told APP.
“It is greatly helping in the timely redressal of complaints of pilgrims and their proper guidance to minimize any inconvenience to them.”
Call center established to manage complaints
Additionally, a five-member team operates a call center to manage complaints received through the portal.
Complaints can be lodged via the Pak Hajj App, WhatsApp, or the Pakistan Hajj Mission’s helpline toll-free numbers: 00923376510003, 00923376510004, 00923376510005, and 00923063332555. The common complaints received include issues related to accommodation, split families, room maintenance, lack of amenities, misplaced luggage, and general lost and found services.
“As soon as a complaint is lodged, it appears on the dashboard/mobile phone screen within no time, with the proper zone officer concerned monitoring it live,” explained Muhammad Awais, Deputy Director and in charge of the NITB Development Team in Makkah.
Hajj Moavineen App
An additional online app, ‘Hajj Moavineen,’ has been introduced for real-time monitoring of support staff. It features functionalities such as searching for missing pilgrims or luggage, distributing gifts, and providing medical treatment. This app operates by scanning the QR code on the pilgrim’s identity card, which contains all necessary details.
The introduction of these apps has been well-received, with positive feedback from the pilgrims. The integrated maps feature is particularly helpful in locating missing individuals.