The Ministry of Religious Affairs has added a substitute nomination feature to the Pak Hajj App and the Hajj Digital Portal, allowing successful Hajj applicants to name a close relative if they cannot travel because of an unforeseen situation.
The change, announced from Islamabad on 4 November, is meant to move substitution requests fully online so families do not have to complete the process only through in-person formalities.
How the online nomination works
Applicants who have already been selected for Hajj can file a request through the Pak Hajj App to put forward a close family member in their place when an unexpected problem stops them from performing the pilgrimage. The ministry said the same online channel is available on the Hajj Digital Portal.
Requests are handled entirely online. The nominated relative must already be registered on the Hajj Digital Portal. Without that registration, the person cannot be considered for the vacated place.
Documents and dues
Anyone seeking a substitution must upload papers that explain why the change is needed. The ministry cited examples such as medical reports or a death certificate.
If a successful applicant dies, a close relative may also submit an online application to be considered as the substitute under the same rules. According to the ministry, Hajj dues already deposited by the original applicant will be used for the substitute rather than requiring a fresh payment of those dues from scratch.
Why the ministry introduced the feature
Officials said the facility is intended to make substitution easier and more accessible by letting applicants and their families finish the required steps on the digital platforms. The ministry framed the update as a practical response for households facing illness, death, or other sudden barriers after a place has already been secured.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Ab selected Hajj applicants Pak Hajj App aur Hajj Digital Portal se apne qareebi rishtedaar ko substitute naamzd kar sakte hain. Agar koi emergency, bimari ya wafaat ho jaye to ye darkhwast online ho sakti hai. Substitute pehle se portal par registered hona chahiye aur medical report ya death certificate upload karna hoga. Asli applicant ki jama shuda Hajj raqam substitute ke hisaab mein use hogi.
