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The Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) has been summoned to meet on Monday, the 2nd March, 2026 at 10.30 a.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad. The National Assembly has been summoned to meet on Tuesday, the 3rd March, 2026 at 03:00 p.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad. Committee Meetings:01:30 PM: 3rd meeting of the Sub-Committee of the SC on Power Division (Revised, Change in Time) at Committee Room No.7 (4th Floor), Parliament House, Islamabad | 02:00 PM: 9th meeting of the SC on Government Assurances at Constitution Room / Committee Room No. 5 (2nd Floor), Parliament House , Islamabad | 03:30 PM: 20th meeting of the Special Committee on Gender Mainstreaming at Committee Room of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Block-F, Pak-Secretariat, Islamabad |
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Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony met

Thursday, 26th February, 2026
Islamabad, the 26th February,  2026: The 9th meeting of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony was convened at Parliament House under the Chairpersonship of Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA.
The Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, briefed the Committee on facilitation offices for Zaireen and the matter concerning subsidy packages. He informed that the Ministry’s mandate is primarily regulatory, confined to monitoring the services provided by Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs) in accordance with existing agreements. He added that the Ministry neither formulates nor offers Ziarat packages. It was further conveyed that the establishment of facilitation offices for Zaireen in Baghdad and Karbala-e-Mualla has formally been taken up with the concerned authorities; however, their operationalization remains subject to the consent and approval of the respective host countries.
 
The Secretary further informed the Committee that a proposal seeking a reduction in PIA airfare for pilgrims was communicated to the Ministry of Defence vide Letter No. 1(l)D020-Ziarat dated 08-10-2025; however, no response has yet been received. 
 
The Committee also sought comprehensive details regarding unregistered Zaireen Group Organizers and the criteria governing their registration. The Ministry was directed to present, at the next meeting, a complete list of all ZGOs along with the names of their respective heads to ensure enhanced transparency and oversight.
 
Expressing concern over procedural shortcomings, the Committee underscored significant gaps in the selection criteria for Moavineen and the Hajj Medical Mission, as well as deficiencies within the NTS operating system. It observed that the existing framework may inadvertently exclude competent and deserving candidates. The Committee therefore recommended a comprehensive review and rationalization of the selection mechanism, emphasizing that age should not serve as a disqualifying factor and that merit must remain the paramount consideration.
 
The Committee further resolved to recommend that a formal communication be addressed to the Office of the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan seeking an increase in the Minority Welfare Fund, noting that the current allocation is insufficient to meet prevailing needs. It emphasized that the enhancement of the Fund is essential to fostering inclusivity, promoting social equity, and safeguarding the welfare of minority communities, thereby enabling their meaningful participation in social, cultural, and religious spheres.
 
The Committee deferred agenda items 3 to 8 for the next meeting. 
 
The Committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on 26 January 2025 and conducted a detailed review of the implementation status of its earlier recommendations.
 
The meeting was attended by Ms. Seema Mohi-ud-Din Jamili, Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli, Ms. Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Ms. Muneeba Iqbal, Ms. Neelam, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki (via Zoom), Mr. Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Mr. Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, and Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan MNAs. The Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, along with other senior officers of the Ministry, was also in attendance.