Islamabad:First paragraph of the news story directly after the dateline.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has launched new features on the Pak Hajj App to assist pilgrims. These features allow pilgrims to manage their Hajj package duration and accommodation preferences from their homes. Options include selecting between two-bed, three-bed, family-room, or shared accommodations, as well as switching between long and short Hajj packages.

Additionally, the app provides the ability to print and verify medical fitness certificates through an authorized doctor, with the requirement to re-upload the document to the Pak Hajj App or Hajj Portal. Overseas Pakistanis can also obtain a fitness certificate from a nearby doctor and upload it to the app.

The app now includes the option for successful pilgrims to apply for a Mahram or helper under the hardship quota. A cancellation feature for Hajj applications and a refund mechanism for fees in unavoidable situations are also available. These services can be accessed from home, eliminating the need for office visits, queues, or waiting.

In parallel, the National IT Board's digital Hajj Portal is facilitating private Hajj bookings. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has mandated that all private Hajj bookings and payments occur through this portal, prohibiting any transactions outside it. To date, 26,000 applications have been completed under the private Hajj scheme, while 45,000 slots remain available.