ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has introduced an ambitious plan for the first time through which a designated “nazim” or administrator will assist a group of 188 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims during the peak days of the pilgrimage as they travel from Mina to Muzdalifah and back to Makkah, state-run media reported on Monday. 

“Mashair days” is a term used to refer to the dates from 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. These are the peak Hajj days when pilgrims from all parts of the world move between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and then return to Mina, performing religious rituals at sacred sites in Makkah. 

Pakistan’s Coordinator Facilitation Makkah Sajjad Haider Yaldram said that as per the government’s ‘Ghar Se Ghar Tak’ (Home to Home) plan, each nazim or Hajj administrator will assist a group of 188 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims throughout the Mashair days this year.

“The nazim will accompany the group from Mina to Arafat, Muzdalifah to Jamarah and back to Makkah,” Yaldram was quoted as saying by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan. 

Each nazim will be assisted by two assistants, along with three personnel from the Saudi Tawafa company Al-Rajhi during these days. 

He said the Punjab Information Technology Board has also developed an online mobile application, “Pak Moavin,” which enables real-time monitoring of all Hajj support staff personnel from their place of deployment. 

Speaking about the “Pak Hajj 2025” app, he said it provides essential information, including the personal details of pilgrims, group information, building locations and other services. 

“We have received great feedback from pilgrims about the app,” Yaldram said. “It’s a source of satisfaction and motivation for us. All the information is centralized, notifications are integrated, and maps help locate missing pilgrims.”

This year, Hajj rituals will commence on June 4, with the Day of Arafah on June 5, and Eid Al-Adha to be observed on June 6 in Saudi Arabia.