NA Committee Criticizes Hajj Mismanagement and Calls for Reform

In recent discussions, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony has raised significant concerns regarding the management of Hajj and Zaireen affairs. This issue is particularly pressing as it affects thousands of Pakistani pilgrims who travel for religious purposes each year. The committee, led by Chairman Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, has pointed out alarming instances of mismanagement, corruption, and nepotism that have plagued these operations.

During the meeting, Dogar emphasized the urgent need for improved arrangements to support religious tourists, both within Pakistan and abroad. He called for the Ministry of Religious Affairs to develop a comprehensive framework for Zaireen, which includes a detailed schedule of visits for pilgrims. This framework is essential to ensure that all religious tourists receive the assistance they need during their travels.

The committee also directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) to finalize the composition of the Zaireen Management Committee (ZMC) and to communicate with the Speaker regarding the nomination of a member from the National Assembly, as per the established rules. This step is crucial for ensuring that the committee is fully functional and can address the issues at hand effectively.

Furthermore, the Secretary provided an overview of the ministry’s operations, performance, and the challenges it faces. One of the pressing issues highlighted was the presence of Pakistani beggars in Saudi Arabia. The committee urged the Secretary to work closely with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development to tackle this problem promptly.

At the beginning of the meeting, committee members congratulated Chairman Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar on his leadership and expressed their unwavering support. Dogar, in turn, thanked the members for their confidence and expressed optimism that, through collective efforts, the committee would be able to effectively oversee the executive functions of the ministry.

In a related matter, the committee decided to defer the consideration of “The National Commission for Minorities Bill, 2024” due to the absence of its mover. This decision reflects the committee's commitment to ensuring that all legislative matters are handled with due diligence and thoroughness.

The meeting was attended by various Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), including Sardar Muhammad Yousaf Zaman, Chaudhry Armghan Subhani, and others, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony. Their presence underscores the importance of this issue and the collective responsibility to address the challenges faced by religious tourists.

The concerns raised by the National Assembly Standing Committee highlight the critical need for reform in the management of Hajj and Zaireen affairs. As Pakistan continues to be a significant source of pilgrims for religious sites, it is imperative that the government takes immediate action to rectify these issues. By doing so, not only will the experience of the pilgrims improve, but it will also enhance Pakistan's reputation as a country that values and supports its citizens in their religious endeavors.