Digitalization of Hajj Operations: NITB Takes Control of the System

(Digital Itlaah) Islamabad/Makkah Mukarramah: Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “Digital Pakistan” vision, the National Information Technology Board (NITB) has taken control of the digitalization of Pakistan’s Hajj operations to modernize Hajj management.

Under the project, a modern “Digital Corridor” will be established between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to instantly and effectively connect pilgrims’ data with Saudi systems such as “Nusuk” and “Masar.”

According to NITB Program Manager Muhammad Owais, the system will help make Hajj arrangements more integrated and convenient, providing better facilities for pilgrims.

The system will also strengthen digital connectivity among Pakistani institutions including NADRA, Passport and Immigration, banking services, and airlines.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of IT, an NITB team is currently present in Saudi Arabia as observers, while implementation of the project is continuing under the guidance of Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and IT Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan.

As part of the project, the “Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj Performance Management System (KPMS)” has also been launched. Through a centralized digital platform and mobile application, the system will monitor the performance of Hajj staff and collect instant feedback from pilgrims.

The system will enable live monitoring of staff deployed in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and airports, which is expected to improve service quality.

According to the government plan, the system will be further improved for Hajj 2026, while by 2027 both government and private Hajj schemes are targeted to be fully shifted to this digital model.