ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Wednesday gave approval to the Hajj Policy 2026, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the ministry concerned to provide all facilities to pilgrims [Hujjaj] and praised the authorities for digitalisation of the entire process.
At the same time, the meeting approved the National AI Policy 2025 to ensure that the people have access to the technology that the changing the lives around the globe.
To achieve the desired goals, it also aims establishing a comprehensive AI ecosystem and creating job opportunities, says a statement issued after Shehbaz chaired the federal cabinet meeting.
THIRD-PARTY VALIDATION
As far as the Hajj Policy 2026 is concerned, the federal cabinet was told in a briefing that the government and private quotas would be 70 per cent and 30 per cent respectively.
Moreover, the private tour operators would be responsible for accommodating those next year, who could not perform Hajj because of their negligence.
Read more: Minister holds tour operators responsible for Hajj pilgrims’ losses
To achieve transparency, both government scheme and private operators are set to go through third-party validation.
REAL-TIME MONITORING
Meanwhile, a minimum limit to 2,000 Hujjaj has been fixed for private operators so that small unknown companies could not deceive the people.
All of them will face strict scrutiny during the entire Hajj operation.
That’s why the government will ensure real-time monitoring of the money submitted by the intending Hujjaj to the tour operators and the whole process.
Read more: Inside Hajj-only barbershop, shaving thousands of heads in a day
NATIONAL AI POLICY
Talking about AI (artificial technology), the prime minister described the young working force as a national asset and the government was focusing on providing necessary education and training as well as equal opportunities to them.
Salient features shared during a briefing to the federal cabinet show that the National AI Policy will help improve public services, enhance production including that of agriculture, achieve economic inclusivity, develop a skilled labour force and create employment.
Keeping in mind cybersecurity as well as national data security, the policy is also focused on increasing the use of AI in government sector.
It is a developing story. Details to follow.