Islamabad, the 19th September, 2025:The 7th meeting of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony was held today in the Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairpersonship of Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA.

 

At the outset, the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, presented a comprehensive report on the previous recommendations of the Committee and also briefed the Members on the agenda items scheduled for discussion.

 

While deliberating on the arrangements for the annual visit of the official high-level delegation to pay homage at Roza-e-Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him), the Committee expressed its dissatisfaction over the existing arrangements. The Members emphasized the importance of ensuring the delegation’s timely departure and presence at Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal, in view of the sanctity and significance of the occasion. 

 

The Committee further recommended that the delegation be accorded the status of State Guests to uphold the dignity and Honor of the State of Pakistan during the sacred visit. In this regard, the Committee urged the Ministry to hold consultations with its counterpart authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and pursue the matter of extending an official invitation from the Government of KSA.

 

In order to strengthen the institutional framework and eliminate loopholes in the system, the Committee recommended a comprehensive review of the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to the annual delegation visit. For this purpose, the Committee constituted a Sub-Committee tasked with revisiting the SOPs and submitting detailed recommendations for further consideration and appropriate action by the Standing Committee. The Sub-Committee will comprise Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA/Convener; Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli, MNA; Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki, MNA; and Syed Sami Ullah, MNA, as Members.

 

The Committee considered the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill, 2025, moved by Mr. Naveed Amir Jeeva, MNA. During the discussion, the Hon. Minister of State apprised the Committee that the said Bill had already been passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan and was subsequently sent to the President for assent. However, the Bill was returned by the President without assent. The Minister further assured the Committee that the Bill will be laid before the forthcoming Joint Session of the Parliament for consideration. On this assurance, and with the satisfaction of the mover, the Committee disposed of the Bill and recommended that the same may not be passed again separately by the National Assembly.

 

The Committee held a detailed discussion on the Zaireen Policy. The Chairperson emphasized the need for comprehensive arrangements to facilitate religious tourists (Zaireen) both within Pakistan and abroad. She desired that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony formulate a well-regulated framework for Zaireen, while ensuring that the traditional role of Salaars is not excluded from the policy.

 

The Chair underscored the importance of continuing the Salaar mechanism for providing effective guidance to Zaireen and ensuring smooth management during holy visits. She further urged the Ministry to launch extensive awareness campaigns through electronic media, print media, and social media platforms to sensitize Zaireen and pilgrims regarding travel procedures, religious protocols, and safety measures.

 

The Committee directed the Ministry to prepare a feasible subsidy package for Zaireen, including a reduction of USD 50 in expenses, similar to the facilities extended to Hajj pilgrims. With regard to air travel, the Committee strongly recommended that the Ministry hold consultations with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other relevant authorities to initiate direct flight operations from Karachi to Najaf Shareef. The Members observed that this would facilitate the millions of Zaireen traveling annually to holy places in Iraq.

 

Furthermore, the Committee recommended that permanent facilitation desks be established at all major airports across Pakistan to provide year-round guidance, assistance, and support to Zaireen and other religious tourists. The Committee also stressed the urgent need to restore Pakistan Houses in Makkah and Madinah in order to ensure dignified accommodation and essential facilities for pilgrims during their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For better management and enhanced service delivery, the Committee recommended that instead of awarding contracts to a single entity, the Ministry should consider engaging multiple reputed companies through a transparent mechanism, thereby ensuring efficiency, competition, and improved standards of service for Zaireen.

 

The meeting was attended by Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jilani, Ms. Seema Mohi ud Din Jameeli, Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki, Mr. Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Ms. Muneeba Iqbal, Ms. Neelam, MNAs. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Kesoo Mal Khael Das, the Hon. Minister of State, Secretary and senior officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony.