ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony expressed serious reservations over the continued absence of the Director General Hajj, Jeddah, despite repeated directions to appear before the parliamentary committee and explain his conduct towards the Chairman of the Committee and other parliamentarians.
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was held under the convenor-ship of Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim on Wednesday to discuss the clarification of Director General Hajj, Jeddah, regarding his alleged non-cooperative conduct towards members of the Senate during their visit to Saudi Arabia.
The Committee also considered the issuance of eviction notices and demolition operations affecting residents around DamDama Mandir (Temple), Rawalpindi, besides taking up various legislative and administrative matters.
The meeting was attended by Senator Nasir Mehmood, Senator Husna Bano, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, the Minister of State for Religious Affairs, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.
The Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, informed the committee that the DG Hajj was prepared to attend the previous meeting scheduled on 21st September 2026 but had to cancel his travel after the meeting was postponed. He further stated that, due to austerity measures and restrictions on foreign travel, the DG Hajj could not travel to Pakistan.
He informed that Ministry would seek an exemption from the competent forum headed by the Deputy Prime Minister to facilitate the DG Hajj’s appearance before the committee in its next meeting.
Senator Nasir Mehmood expressed concern over the conduct and continued non-appearance of the Director General (Hajj) before the Committee. He proposed that the Ministry provide documentary evidence regarding the cancellation of the DG Hajj’s air ticket and ensure his appearance at the next meeting.
The Convener expressed concern over the continuation of the incumbent Director General beyond the completion of his tenure and sought an update on the appointment of a new DG.
The Secretary, Religious Affairs, informed the Committee that 36 candidates had qualified, and a panel of the three top-ranked candidates was forwarded to the Prime Minister. However, the panel was not approved, with directions to initiate a fresh recruitment process. The Committee was informed that the fresh process has since been initiated and is currently underway.
The committee subsequently took up the matter concerning residents and shopkeepers around Dam Dama Mandir, Rawalpindi. The Chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), informed the committee that the property comprising the Mandir/Gurdwara covers approximately 2 Kanals and 14 Marlas and is currently affected by encroachments.
He stated that anti-encroachment operations had been initiated in connection with the ETPB’s development project for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the place of worship.
Residents and shopkeepers, however, raised allegations of misuse of authority and claimed that legitimate properties were also being demolished. The committee took serious notice of the allegations and directed the relevant authorities to thoroughly inquire into the matter.
Following detailed discussion, the Convener directed the formation of a Sub-Committee to investigate the matter, examine the grievances of residents who have been living in the area for decades, and recommend an appropriate resolution. He further directed that the demolition operation be halted immediately until the Sub-Committee completes its inquiry.
The committee deferred consideration of the remaining agenda items to a subsequent meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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