NA body criticises lack of proper facilities for pilgrims during Hajj
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony strongly criticised the lack of proper facilities for pilgrims during Hajj, expressing serious concern over the problems and difficulties faced by the pilgrims.
The Committee met here on Thursday with MNA Shagufta Jumani in the chair. The Committee discussed the issues relating to pilgrims and the revised criteria for selection of Moavineen for Hajj duties, and the revised Ziarat Policy governing Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs).
The Committee expressed serious concern over complaints regarding the arrangements and facilitation extended to pilgrims and members of parliamentary delegation to Saudi Arabia. Members raised concerns regarding transportation, accommodation, security, reception arrangements and coordination of meetings with relevant Saudi authorities.
Particular concern was expressed over the reported disparity in the level of facilitation extended to pilgrims. The Committee observed that parliamentary delegations represent the Parliament of Pakistan as an institution and, therefore, their arrangements should be handled in a professional, transparent, dignified and uniform manner, without any distinction among members.
In order to undertake an in-depth examination of the matters requiring further scrutiny, the Committee constituted a Sub-Committee under the convenorship of MNAs Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, Shagufta Jumani, Ahmed Saleem Siddique, and Naeema Kishwar were nominated as members of the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee will examine the relevant issues in detail and submit its findings/recommendations to the Committee.
The Chairperson emphasized that the Committee could not properly assess the matter without complete and verifiable information regarding the arrangements made for the pilgrims. The Committee, therefore, directed the Ministry to furnish a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure incurred, transportation, accommodation, security, reception, official engagements and other arrangements made during the visit.
The NA body also considered the revised criteria for selection of Moavineen for Hajj duties. The Ministry informed the Committee that the Cabinet Committee on Private Hajj Policy 2027–2030 had finalized and approved the criteria on 3 September 2026. The briefing covered eligibility conditions, age limits, previous experience of performing Hajj duties, written and physical testing, medical fitness requirements and allocation of personnel among different categories of government employees.
The panel examined the selection process in detail. The Ministry informed the Committee that 42,778 applications had been received for one category, of which 25,225 were processed, 2,215 candidates were called for physical testing, and 700 candidates were included in the final selection. In the medical mission category, 8,607 applications were received, approximately 6,800 candidates appeared in the examination, and 524 candidates were selected for the final stage.
Members also questioned the adequacy of the quota allocated to female candidates and whether the prescribed criteria sufficiently reflected the specialized, demanding and service-oriented nature of duties performed during Hajj.
The Chairperson stressed that the selection of Moavineen must be based on a transparent, merit-based, accountable and objectively verifiable mechanism, with clear criteria capable of being understood and scrutinized by applicants.
The members also raised allegations regarding possible irregularities and financial demands in connection with the selection process. The Committee took note of these concerns and emphasized that any credible complaint supported by evidence must be examined through the appropriate investigative mechanism.
The NA body received a detailed briefing on the revised Ziarat Policy, under which the traditional informal “Sallar” (caravan-leader) system has been replaced by a regulated framework of registered Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs). The Committee was informed that the revised policy seeks to bring the management of Zaireen travelling to Iran, Iraq and Syria within a formal, transparent and accountable system through centralized registration, security clearance, formal service agreements, financial safeguards, digital record-keeping and standardized service arrangements.
The Committee was further apprised that the revised framework does not eliminate the practical need for group leadership and coordination, but brings such functions within a regulated and authorized institutional structure through registered ZGOs. So far, 260 companies have been registered as ZGOs after completion of the required documentation and clearance from the Ministry of Interior, while 922 companies have obtained Interior Ministry clearance but are awaiting completion of documentation for registration.
The Committee directed the Ministry and concerned authorities to furnish the required reports, data and clarifications and to ensure timely follow-up of the issues raised during the meeting. The Committee emphasized that transparency, merit, accountability and institutional oversight must remain the guiding principles in matters relating to parliamentary delegations, Hajj operations and Ziarat arrangements, particularly where public funds, national representation and the welfare and security of Pakistani pilgrims and Zaireen are involved.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026