The Pakistani government has formally requested that the Saudi government waive the requirement for biometric verification for elderly pilgrims.
Aneeq Ahmed, the interim federal minister for religious affairs, praised the Saudi government’s dedication to giving Pakistani pilgrims first-rate facilities. At a press conference held in conjunction with the Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Ahmed emphasised the long-standing and cordial ties that exist between the two countries and expressed hope that the agreement would result in fruitful outcomes.
One of Minister Ahmed’s main suggestions was to exempt pilgrims 65 and older from the need for biometric verification. The minister emphasised the significance of the Road to Makkah project, which has proven to be extremely beneficial for Pakistani pilgrims, citing Pakistan’s prominent status as a major contributor of Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Minister Ahmed emphasised the significance of extending the Road to Makkah project’s facilities to important pilgrimage sites like Mina and Arafat in addition to airports. Both sides are expected to cooperate as the diplomatic negotiations between the two nations progress in order to make the Hajj experience for elderly Pakistani pilgrims easier and more accommodating.
