By ANI Correspondent
ISLAMABAD –The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, chaired by Shagufta Jumani, reviewed arrangements for parliamentary delegations to Saudi Arabia, revised criteria for selecting Moavineen for Hajj 2027–2030, and the updated Ziarat Policy.
The Committee expressed concern over complaints regarding transportation, accommodation, security, reception and coordination during a recent Saudi visit. It directed the Ministry to submit a comprehensive report on arrangements and expenditure and decided to seek clarification from the concerned Director General at its next meeting.
The Ministry told the Committee that 42,778 applications were received in one Moavineen category, with 700 candidates selected, while 524 candidates were selected for the medical mission from 8,607 applications.
Members questioned the transparency of written and physical tests, third-party testing, result verification, treatment of experienced employees and the female quota. Shagufta Jumani stressed that the selection process should be transparent, merit-based and objectively verifiable.
The Committee also reviewed the revised Ziarat Policy for pilgrims travelling to Iran, Iraq and Syria. The Ministry said 260 companies had been registered as ZGOs, while 922 others had received Interior Ministry clearance and were completing documentation.
The Committee emphasized monitoring, financial transparency, service standards and protection of Zaireen. A Sub-Committee headed by MNA Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq was also constituted for further scrutiny.
