ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP):The mandatory biometric verification of the intending pilgrims of Government Hajj Scheme would start from first week of April, said spokesman of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
Talking to APP, he said the schedule of conducting verification would be shared with the pilgrims through SMS. Pilgrims could also get information from website of ministry www.hajjinfo.org or ministry’s help lines (042) 111 725425; (051) 9205696, (051) 9216980-82 and through Haji camps to ensure biometric verification before submitting their passports for the issuance of visa.
The verification would be conducted by Etimad Visa Service Centers as per scheduled time and date and pilgrims should have original bank receipts, copies of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) and passports with them before going for verification.
The verification would be conducted free of charge barring over 80 years pilgrims and pilgrims of below six years of age. The ministry has asked Etimad management to provide hassle free facility to pilgrims.
He said the biometric verification of intending pilgrims would be continued at 26 Visa Service Centres of Etimad, in Faisalabad, Multan, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore. Peshawar, Quetta, Sukkar, Sialkot and Rahim Yar Khan.
The intending pilgrims below six years of age and over 80 years of age were exempted from biometric verification.
Hujjaj will not be allowed to leave for Saudi Arabia sans biometric verification.