Islamabad, August 02, 2023 (PPI-OT): Rs. 185,000/- are being paid back to Hujjaj of recent Hajj and the arrangements of Hajj 2023 were excellent. This information was given by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony held today in Parliament House. The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of the Standing Committee Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, MNA.

The Standing Committee was informed that Rs. 11,75,000/- were received from the pilgrims of regular Hajj Scheme, during the Hajj 2023. Thereafter, Rs. 55000/- were paid back to the Hujjaj before their departure to Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the Hujjaj who performed the Hajj under hardship quota were asked to deposit Rs. 11,20,000/-.

Now, the Government has decided to pay back Rs. 12000/- per head to those Hujjaj who did not live in Markazia of Madina Al Munawarra. Similarly, Rs. 21000/- per head shall be given back to those who did not travel in rail between Makkah and Madina. Moreover, Rs. 97000/- per head shall be paid back to all of the Hujjaj who performed the Hajj during 2023. Hence, the Hujjaj of regular scheme will receive upto Rs. 1,85,000/- per head. The Standing Committee appreciated the efforts of the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood.

The Standing Committee was informed that all of the Moavineen were appointed on merit. No Moavin was appointed over the age of 45 years. Similarly, no Moavin was hired serving in Grade 1-6. Similarly, no Moavin was appointed in grade 19 and above. Moreover, the Moavineen who did not perform their duty properly were fined. Hence, the service of Moavineen was best as compared to the previous years.

The Standing Committee appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, especially, its Secretary and J.S.(Hajj). The Committee hoped that this practice would continue. The Standing Committee directed that necessary changes may be brought in relevant law regarding Hajj Group Operators (HGOs). An atmosphere of perfect competition should be made among the HGOs. The HGOs who could not utilize their allotted quota, during Hajj-2023, should be noted and they should be treated accordingly in future.

The Standing Committee directed that small HGOs should be discouraged. Rather they should be encouraged to make consortiums for handling of big group of Hujjaj for proper delivery of service. The Standing Committee directed that all of the interested HGOs who are in waiting list may also be given opportunity to serve the Hujjaj. The Standing Committee also directed that quota system of HGOs should be demolished and a new transparent system should be introduced on first-cum-first served basis.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman Standing Committee of National Assembly on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, MNA and attended by Members National Assembly; Ch. Faqir Ahmed, Ms. Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani, Ms. Shagufta Jumani, Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali and Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, MNA / Special Invitee (through video link). Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony and many other senior officers attended the meeting.

For more information, contact:

Secretary,

National Assembly of Pakistan

Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,

Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-9221082-83

Fax: +92-51-9221106

Email: assembly@na.gov.pk

Website: www.na.gov.pk