The Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony held its 8th meeting at Parliament House in Islamabad under the acting chairpersonship of Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA. The session focused on procedures for official high-level visits to pay homage at Rozae Rasool and measures to improve support for pilgrims and Zaireen.
The Convener presented the Sub-Committee report proposing Standard Operating Procedures for the visit of an official delegation to Rozae Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him). The Committee considered and refined the suggested amendments, adopted the revised approach and directed the Ministry to submit an updated SOP document for further legislative processing in the National Assembly.
Members stressed the importance of ensuring the delegation’s timely departure and arrival at Rozae Rasool on 11th Rabi-ul-Awal, citing the sanctity of the occasion and the need for orderly arrangements. The Committee recommended that high-level delegates be accorded State Guest status in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and that their meetings and engagements with Saudi counterparts be finalized before departure to avoid delays.
The Honourable Minister assured the Committee that all necessary facilitation would be arranged for the visiting delegation. At the same time, members expressed dissatisfaction with the current selection process for Moavineen and urged the Ministry to revisit and strengthen selection criteria in the next Hajj Policy 2027 to ensure transparency and better service delivery.
The Acting Chairperson observed the absence of facilitation offices for Zaireen in Baghdad and Karbala-e-Mualla and directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony to establish fully structured offices at both locations. The Committee underlined the need for comprehensive, well-regulated facilities for Zaireen and asked the Ministry to prepare a feasible subsidy package similar to arrangements available to Hajj pilgrims.
The Chair also strongly recommended consultations with Pakistan International Airlines and other stakeholders to explore subsidized air tickets for Zaireen, and the Committee decided to invite the Chairman of PIA to its next meeting to discuss implementation options and logistics.
The Secretary briefed members on the restoration plan for Pakistan Houses in Makkah and Madinah and provided a breakdown of funds reserved and utilized monthly and yearly for officers and officials posted at the Pakistan Hajj Mission. A comprehensive report on the status of implementation of the Committee’s earlier recommendations was also presented to the members.
Starred Question No. 61, moved by Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA, was deferred in her absence. The Committee then unanimously approved the minutes of its previous meeting and proceeded to close the agenda items after a detailed discussion on the proposed SOPs and support measures for pilgrims and Zaireen.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Mr. Ijaz-ul-Haq Zia, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jilani, Ms. Seema Mohi-ud-Din Jameeli, Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki, Mr. Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Ms. Muneeba Iqbal and Ms. Neelam. Senior officials present included the Honourable Minister, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony and other senior officers. The record of the meeting was attested by the Secretary Committee, Hammad Ullah Kazi.
