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PESHAWAR, Jun 04 (APP):Aftab Ahmad, a survivor of the 2005 Balakot earthquake and founder of the Pakistan-based technology firm Assort Tech, has launched OnlyHajj.ai, a mobile application designed to assist pilgrims during Hajj through artificial intelligence.
The application, according to its developers, offers a range of features aimed at easing the logistical and spiritual challenges faced by pilgrims.
These include live location tracking, QR-based identification, offline access to itineraries and the Quran, elderly support features, multilingual alerts, real-time assistance, and secure digital document storage.
Speaking to APP online from Makkah, where he is currently performing Hajj, Aftab Ahmad said the idea emerged from his personal experiences and the difficulties he observed among fellow pilgrims in recent years.
“I saw elderly pilgrims separated from their groups, people struggling with language barriers, and many losing track of essential documents,” he said.
“This project is deeply personal for me—not only as a survivor of tragedy but also as someone who believes in using technology to serve communities.
Aftab, who leads one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing technology companies with employees from across the country, said that the app was built with an “offline-first” approach in mind, given the frequent connectivity challenges during the pilgrimage.
The Elderly Support feature, he explained, includes simplified navigation, high-contrast user interface options, and emergency alert tools, while the QR Tracking system allows tour groups to monitor members in real time.
The app’s real-time support feature also provides multilingual assistance to pilgrims facing urgent queries or requiring guidance.
While various digital platforms have been introduced over the years to assist pilgrims, analysts note that OnlyHajj.ai distinguishes itself through its integrated use of AI and practical design for real-world Hajj scenarios.
The app was developed over several months by a dedicated team of engineers and Islamic scholars. “We consulted with Hajj tour operators, pilgrims, and technologists to ensure that the solution is grounded in actual needs, not assumptions,” he explained.
The launch of OnlyHajj.ai comes at a time when Saudi authorities are ramping up digital infrastructure to support millions of pilgrims, Aftab Ahmad expressed hope that his platform would complement those efforts and position Pakistan as a contributor to technological innovation in the global Islamic community.
“This is not just a business venture,” he added. “It is a matter of pride for Pakistan. It shows how far we’ve come from surviving disaster to building tools that serve humanity at its spiritual core.”