ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs launched four smartphone apps to facilitate Hajj pilgrims during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
“The purpose is to provide guidance to pilgrims and help them in every possible way,” Imran Siddiqui, the ministry’s spokesperson told Arab News on Monday.
Siddiqui said that the Rehnuma-e-Hajj (Guidance for Hajj) app is very useful as it provides information about the complete set of rituals during the pilgrimage. “We have uploaded a comprehensive booklet and documentary about Hajj, so everything related to Hajj is in this app,” he said.
Additionally, the Hajj Muavineen (Hajj helpers) app includes information about paramedics and other staff that have been deputed by the Pakistani government to assist the pilgrims, while the Mina Locator app will help them find the routes to different camps in Mina and other locations.
The fourth app, termed Hajj Complaints, can be used by pilgrims “to register complaints.”
Pakistan began its Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia from July 4 for its 200,000 nationals performing Hajj this year.
For the purpose, a team of Saudi officials had visited the capital in the last week of June to install an immigration system at the Islamabad International Airport.
The move, part of the ‘Road to Makkah’ project, follows Pakistan’s inclusion in the initiative as per the directives of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman during his visit to the country in February this year.
According to the religious ministry, more than 25,000 pilgrims from Pakistan have already reached Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage this year.
Four smartphone apps launched to facilitate Hajj pilgrims, says religious ministry
Four smartphone apps launched to facilitate Hajj pilgrims, says religious ministry
- Move aimed at facilitating nationals during their stay in Saudi Arabia
- More than 200,000 expected to perform the pilgrimage this year
Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe
- Pakistan enter the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai
- The tri-series is seen as key preparation for next month’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, using the tournament as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Pakistan, the reigning ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions, are competing in the 50-over tri-series alongside Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final on Jan. 6.
Pakistan won the eight-team Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this month, beating India by 191 runs in the final, and will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, starting at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great morale and intensity,” Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.”
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe on Dec. 29 before meeting Afghanistan again on Jan. 2, followed by a second match against the hosts on Jan. 4. Matches will be played across venues in Harare, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Sunrise Sports Club.
The tri-series is being seen as an important warm-up ahead of the U19 World Cup, which will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play all their group-stage matches in Harare.
“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” Yousaf said. “Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”
Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on Jan. 16, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe, with the Super Six stage beginning on Jan. 25 and the final scheduled for Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club.
