Latest technique in vogue to facilitate pilgrims.

ISLAMABAD -- Endowed with humility and gratification, the intending pilgrims have started reaching the holy land after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted by the Saudi government for foreigners, allowing the faithful to perform Hajj.

It is definitely an hour of pleasure for the overseas faithful, who after a long time of two years or so, would offer Ibada and perform Hajj at the holy places with religious zeal and reverence.

Both the Pakistan and the Saudi governments have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims including a special initiative of using the digital modes for better connectivity and safety of the pilgrims.

Keeping in view the significance of modern technology, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made an effort to digitize the Hajj operation through the use of smart phones and designated 'mobile apps.'

These apps; 'Tawakkalna' and 'Eatmarna' have been introduced to ensure better security, healthcare and crowd management for pilgrims as well as improve performance of Hajj rituals.

'It is a good omen and would pave way for better management of Hajj operation,' said Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi.

'Facilitating pilgrims is our national and religious duty and this system would help better streamlining connectivity and ensuring hassle free performing of Hajj,' Ashrafi said.

Around 81,000 intending pilgrims from Pakistan would perform Hajj this year under the government as well as the private hajj schemes. The Hajj operation started on Monday when four flights carried over 2,000 passengers from different destinations in Pakistan to the holy land. The Hajj operation would culminate by June 30 and return of pilgrims would start from mid of July.

The Ministry has urged the pilgrims to download mobile applications of 'Tawakkalna' and 'Eatmarna' in their latest hand gadgets to benefit from approved app services in getting Umrah, Hajj and visit permits for the holy mosques in Makkah and Madina.

'Intending pilgrims were being imparted technology-based training sessions at Haji Camps across the country,' said Ministry of Religious Affairs Additional Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani .

'It is important for pilgrims to learn the usage of these apps before proceeding to the holy land for performing the sacred obligation,' Durrani said. 'Non usage of these apps may result in complications for them in performing rituals and mobility.'

The present...