ISLAMABAD, May 25 (DNA): The Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council, and Prime Minister’s Coordinator Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, on Monday said the leadership of the Saudi Arabia under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has set unprecedented examples in serving pilgrims by introducing state-of-the-art facilities and modern technological systems for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from across the world.

In an exclusive talk with international media here, Ashrafi said Saudi Arabia was utilizing modern technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, advanced healthcare systems and comprehensive crowd-management mechanisms to ensure a safe, peaceful and spiritually enriching Hajj experience for millions of pilgrims.

He said the Kingdom’s remarkable arrangements reflected its unwavering commitment to serving the guests of Allah and facilitating pilgrims in accordance with the requirements of the modern age.

Ashrafi said Saudi authorities had transformed Hajj operations into one of the world’s most organized and technologically advanced management systems, where pilgrims were being facilitated from arrival to departure through integrated digital services.

He highlighted the introduction of the mandatory “Nusuk Card,” describing it as a revolutionary initiative that carried pilgrims’ personal, medical, accommodation and transportation information in both physical and digital formats.

He said the system greatly helped in identity verification, access to holy sites, locating missing pilgrims and streamlining transportation and accommodation arrangements.

Ashrafi said Saudi Arabia had also introduced smart sensors and AI-powered systems in Mina and other holy sites for real-time crowd monitoring and management.

According to international media reports, advanced digital systems linked with the Nusuk platform were helping authorities regulate pilgrim movement, reduce congestion and ensure safer mobility between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and the Grand Mosque.

He said the use of artificial intelligence and smart surveillance systems at the Grand Mosque represented a major leap in Hajj management.

Saudi authorities were utilizing real-time crowd density indicators, computer vision technologies and AI-based monitoring systems to guide pilgrims and improve safety measures around Tawaf and Sa’i areas.

Praising the healthcare arrangements, Ashrafi said the Kingdom had deployed tens of thousands of healthcare workers, emergency response teams and specialized medical units across Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Madinah for Hajj 2026.

He said modern hospitals, emergency centers, AI-assisted medical services and rapid response systems were ensuring immediate medical assistance for pilgrims.

He further said Saudi Arabia had expanded special services for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims through mobility support systems, digital guidance tools, transport assistance and dedicated facilitation centers at the holy sites and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

Ashrafi said full 5G connectivity, free internet facilities and multilingual digital services in more than 60 languages were helping pilgrims remain connected and receive guidance in their native languages. He added that digital transformation initiatives launched under Saudi Vision 2030 had significantly enhanced the spiritual journey of pilgrims.

He also appreciated Saudi Arabia’s efforts to simplify visa issuance, digital registration and online pilgrimage management through the Nusuk platform.

He said the fully digital registration and permit systems had improved transparency, efficiency and convenience for pilgrims worldwide.

The Chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council said the Saudi leadership deserved appreciation from the Muslim Ummah for continuously expanding the capacity of the holy sites, improving transportation infrastructure, enhancing cleanliness and adopting smart-city solutions to facilitate pilgrims.

He said the Kingdom’s integrated arrangements demonstrated that Saudi Arabia was utilizing every available resource for the comfort, safety and welfare of pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Ashrafi prayed for the continued success, stability and prosperity of Saudi Arabia and paid tribute to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their exceptional services to Islam and the Muslim world.