Ministry urged to reduce security deposit: NA body calls for expeditious security clearance of ZGOs
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony called for expeditious security clearance and issuance of registration certificates to Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs), asking the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony to reduce the security deposit for ZGOs to lower the financial burden on religious pilgrimages.
The committee, which met here on Thursday under the Chairmanship of Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, also directed the ministry to provide copies of the Zaireen Management Policy to enable the committee to examine the relevant provisions, identify implementation gaps, and assess the consistency of the regulatory framework.
The meeting stressed that all financial transactions and contractual arrangements for Hajj operations should adhere to prescribed rules and competitive procurement procedures, and recommended that the Ministry coordinate with the Prime Minister’s Office to arrange a meeting between the Prime Minister and a delegation representing minority communities to discuss their development-related concerns and funding requirements.
The Ministry apprised the committee that 922 companies had obtained security clearance from the Ministry of Interior, 282 had been processed for registration, while 261 registration certificates had been issued. The Committee emphasized the need for expeditious processing and a clearly defined timeline for security clearance and issuance of registration certificates.
Expressing concern over the Rs1 million security deposit imposed on ZGOs, particularly small-scale operators, the committee recommended its review and reduction to alleviate their financial burden. The Ministry was also directed to furnish a copy of the Zaireen Management Policy for examination of its provisions and identification of implementation gaps.
The committee reviewed the financial management of Hajj operations, including banking arrangements, handling of funds, profits and losses, and audit mechanisms. It stressed that all financial transactions and contractual arrangements must ensure transparency, accountability and strict compliance with prescribed rules and competitive procurement procedures. The Committee also emphasized effective coordination between federal and provincial authorities to ensure uniformity and improved facilitation for pilgrims.
Taking up arrangements for parliamentary delegations visiting Saudi Arabia, the Committee expressed concern over reported difficulties relating to visas, accommodation and travel arrangements. It stressed the need for clearly defined SOPs and improved coordination with Saudi authorities. The Committee also examined concerns regarding the selection of Hajj-related companies, particularly alleged violations of PPRA rules and Saudi instructions. The sub-committee’s report and recommendations on the selection process were endorsed for submission to the Ministry, which was also asked to provide an explanation regarding the alleged procurement irregularities and the continued operations of a blacklisted company.
Regarding minority welfare, the ministry informed the committee that, pursuant to its earlier recommendations, the matter of enhancing development funds had been taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office, resulting in an additional allocation of Rs 10 million for each minority Member. The Committee appreciated the Prime Minister’s initiative and recommended that the Minister for Religious Affairs again coordinate with the Prime Minister’s Office to arrange a meeting between the Prime Minister and a delegation of minority Members to discuss their development-related concerns and funding requirements. The Committee also recommended coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate visas for minority community members intending to visit their respective holy sites.
The Committee further decided to take up the status of the proposed museum in Islamabad, in response to a request from the Saudi Government, and the proposed establishment of an Embassy in Iraq in its next meeting, emphasizing the need for appropriate inter-ministerial coordination and follow-up.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026