Islamabad, 21st July, 2016: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony met today in Committee Room No.2, First Floor, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Hafiz Abdul Kareem, MNA, to discuss the arrangements of Hajj, 2016. The Federal Minister and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs briefed the Committee that the applications under Government scheme have been invited on 18th April, 2016 through designated Banks till 26th April, 2016 and successful applicants declared after balloting through third party. The original Hajj quota 143,368 are allocated to Pakistan for Hajj scheme 2016 which will be implemented through Government Hajj Scheme and Private Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) at the ratio of 50:50. On Government Hajj Scheme, 2581 seats (3%) have been reserved for hardship quota and selection of applicants is under process. Flight schedule for Hajj 2016 has been finalized and first flight will commence from 4th August, 2016. The Minister informed that 52% Hujjaj will be landing in Madinah and 48% Hujjaj will land in Jeddah, KSA. Arrangements for accommodation in Makkah and Madina have also been arranged. 65% pilgrims from Pakistan will avail train facility in Mashiar and rest of 35% will be provided latest model buses for travelling in Mashiar. Food and transport facility would be provided to all the pilgrims during their stay in Makkah and Madinah through authorized companies. 139 buildings in Makkah have been hired for Hujjaj. He further informed that approximately Rs.4100/- will be refunded to each intending pilgrim. He briefed that Private Hajj Quota is 50% as per the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and no new Private Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) could not be entertained in 2016. Under the Government Hajj Scheme the expense for each pilgrim will be Rs. 261,000 for South and 271,000 for north areas. 

The Committee Members recommended that the best training facilities for Hujjaj and Moavneen should be arranged and Hajj training be enforced compulsory for the pilgrims. The Committee recommended that the Minister concerned or Prime Minister may approach to Saudi Authorities at higher level for providing the place for Pakistan House which was demolished. The Committee recommended that the pilgrim from any other country will not be allowed to travel from Pakistan’s soil. 

The Committee unanimously passed the resolution for the right of self determination of held Kashmiries and condemned the recent wave of atrocities committed by the Indian army.

The Chairman has appreciated the services of the Federal Minister and his team for providing the best facilities to Hujjaj. The Committee recommended that the policy should be implemented as briefed to the Committee in letter and spirit. The Chairman thanked the Committee Members for the giving valuable recommendations and active participation in the Committee meetings.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Abdul Gaffer Dogar, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, Sahibzada Faiz Ul Hassan, Mr. Bhawan Das, Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali,  Syed Amir Ali Shah Jamote, Ms. Shagufta Jumani, Mr. Ramesh Lal,  Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, Pir Bux Junejo, Mr. Lal Chand Malhi,  Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub, Mr. Bismillah Khan, Molvi Agha Muhammad, MNAs, besides the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony and Officers/Officials of the Ministry.