Islamabad: Pakistan will be announcing a schedule for training and biometric verification of Hajj pilgrims next week, its religious affairs minister has said. The announcement came after Pakistani Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed’s recent meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad. Both parties discussed various aspects of the forthcoming Hajj and deliberated on finalizing arrangements for the pilgrimage. Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Ministry reported: “Aneeq further said that his ministry will announce a detailed training and biometric schedule for the pilgrims next week. “Pakistani Hajj pilgrims will now be able to complete their Saudi visa biometrics using the BioApp from the comfort of their homes.” Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage that is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every adult Muslim is required to undertake a journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime, if they are financially and physically able. Saudi Arabia has restored Pakistan’s pre-pandemic Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims and abolished the upper age limit of 65 years to perform the pilgrimage. More than 81,000 Pakistani pilgrims performed Hajj under the government scheme in 2023 while the rest used private tour operators. Pakistan announced the results of a draw for Hajj 2024 last December, with more than 63,000 applicants selected for the pilgrimage under the government scheme. Those remaining will be applying through private tour operators. Ahmed highlighted that Hajj preparations were being made ahead of schedule this year and added that Pakistan had implemented several unique measures for the convenience of its pilgrims. Al-Malki congratulated Pakistan for inclusion in the top three countries receiving awards for best coordination and provision of Hajj services, according to its ministry. He praised Ahmed for ensuring excellent facilities for pilgrims and acknowledged the commendable role of the ministry.