ISLAMABAD: Pakistan participated in a global Hajj symposium in Saudi Arabia this week where officials reviewed new digital initiatives aimed at improving crowd management and movement during this year’s pilgrimage season, the Pakistani ministry of religious affairs said on Thursday.
Saudi authorities are preparing to host millions of pilgrims during another peak summer season, with officials focusing on coordination, health care, transportation and measures to ensure the smooth movement and safety of worshippers at Islam’s holiest sites.
Pakistan is among the countries sending the largest number of pilgrims for Hajj this year, with around 179,000 Pakistanis expected to perform the pilgrimage under both government and private schemes. Pakistani authorities have also expanded medical and logistical preparations this year, including health care facilities and support staff, as temperatures rise across the Kingdom ahead of Hajj.
“The symposium reviewed digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving the movement of pilgrims within the holy sites,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement.
“Saudi authorities have made extensive arrangements to protect pilgrims from extreme weather conditions at the holy sites,” the statement added.
According to the ministry, religious affairs ministers and heads of Hajj missions from around the world participated in the event.
Officials from Saudi Arabia’s ministries of interior, health and Hajj briefed participants on preparations for the pilgrimage season, according to the ministry.
Discussions also focused on strengthening coordination with international Hajj missions and reviewing modern systems for the distribution of sacrificial meat during Hajj.
The symposium marked its 50th edition this year, with speakers describing it as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on services and facilities for pilgrims.
