Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to establish World-Class digital corridor for Hajj operations

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th May, 2026) The National Information Technology board (NITB) has assumed complete control of the digitalisation of Pakistan’s Hajj operations, with a key focus on establishing a historic, world-class “digital corridor” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The initiative is being launched under the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a “Digital Pakistan” and on his special directives to modernise Hajj management through advanced technology and integrated digital systems.

Confirming the development from Makkah, NITB Program Manager Muhammad Awais said the landmark digital corridor would enable real-time sharing of pilgrims’ data with Saudi Arabia’s central Hajj systems, including the Nusuk and Masar platforms.

He described the initiative as a major technological breakthrough aimed at seamlessly connecting Pakistan’s Hajj management system with Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure to improve coordination, efficiency, and services for pilgrims.

The corridor will also create an integrated domestic network linking key Pakistani institutions, including the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Directorate General of Passports and Immigration, designated banks, and airlines.

Muhammad Awais said that, on the directives of the prime minister, an NITB team is currently present in Saudi Arabia as observers.

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Under the guidance of

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Secretary IT Zarrar Hasham Khan, the project is being implemented under the leadership of NITB CEO Faisal Iqbal Ratyal to transform all existing Hajj operational procedures into a modern digital framework.

As part of the transformation, a comprehensive monitoring system named the “Khadim-ul-Hujjaj Performance Management System” (KPMS) has been activated. The system, comprising advanced mobile applications and centralised dashboards, enables live monitoring of Hajj welfare staff, seasonal duty staff, and local support personnel serving in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Madinah Airport, while also facilitating instant feedback from pilgrims.

In line with the Hajj policy approved by the Federal cabinet and the prime minister’s project guidelines, technical observations and capacity-building measures will be carried out during Hajj 2026. As a result, both government and private Hajj schemes are expected to be fully shifted to the centralised and unified digital module by Hajj 2027.

To implement the long-term strategy, Joint Secretary (Hajj) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Muhammad Bakhsh Sangi and NITB Director General Dr Khalid Rafiq formally signed a five-year strategic agreement.