NA panel demands state guest status for delegation visiting to KSA

ISLAMABAD: In a surprising move, a parliamentary committee on Monday demanded that a parliamentary delegation intending to visit Saudi Arabia on the 11th of Rabi-ul-Awal to pay respects at the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) be granted State Guest status in Saudi Arabia, insisting that the decision be finalized before their departure.

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, chaired by Shagufta Jumani, urged the government to finalise all meetings with senior Saudi officials well in advance, ensuring a smooth trip.

Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who attended the meeting, assured the committee that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure the trip proceeds without any complications.

He confirmed that the delegation’s itinerary and engagements would be meticulously planned.

In a move that could have further implications for future official visits, the committee approved amendments to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for such trips, particularly those related to religious pilgrimages. These amendments will now undergo further scrutiny in the National Assembly.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the current selection process for Moavineen (assistants) accompanying the pilgrims. It recommended that the Ministry reviews and revises the selection criteria as part of the Hajj Policy 2027, aiming for greater transparency and effectiveness in the process.

Additionally, the committee raised concerns over the process for selecting assistants for official visits and urged a complete overhaul ahead of the Hajj Policy 2027.

The panel also called for improved facilitation for pilgrims in Baghdad and Karbala-e-Mualla, proposing a subsidy package for these journeys similar to the one available for Hajj.This would include subsidised air tickets in collaboration with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), despite the airline’s recent privatisation and its shift away from being a state entity. The committee decided to invite PIA’s chairman to their next meeting for further discussion on these matters.

The Secretary of the Ministry briefed the panel on the progress of restoring Pakistan Houses in Makkah and Madinah, detailing the status of previous recommendations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026