Islamabad, 24 September 2026: The Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony met today under the Chairpersonship of Hon. Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA, and undertook a detailed review of matters relating to the facilitation of parliamentary delegations visiting Saudi Arabia, the revised criteria for selection of Moavineen for Hajj duties, and the revised Ziarat Policy governing Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs). The Committee also confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting, while consideration of the implementation status of its previous recommendations was deferred.

 

The Committee expressed serious concern over complaints regarding the arrangements and facilitation extended to Members of a recent 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 Members belonging to different political sides. 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.

 

The Chairperson emphasized that the Committee could not properly assess the matter without complete and verifiable information regarding the arrangements made for the delegation. 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. It was further decided that the concerned Director General would be invited or connected in the next meeting to provide detailed clarification on the issues raised by Members.

 

The Committee thereafter 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 Committee 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.

 

Hon. Members raised a number of substantive concerns regarding the transparency, fairness and practical effectiveness of the testing and selection mechanism. Questions were raised regarding the methodology of written and physical examinations, the role and accountability of third-party testing agencies, verification of results, and the manner in which experienced employees of the Ministry and other relevant departments were being treated under the revised criteria. 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. She emphasized that the selection process should inspire confidence among prospective candidates and the general public and that no loophole in the system should be allowed to undermine merit or create an opportunity for undue influence or favoritism.

 

Hon. 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 Ministry stated that specific complaints and supporting evidence may be furnished for necessary inquiry. The Committee made it clear that its review was intended not merely to examine individual complaints but also to identify systemic weaknesses and close any loopholes in the selection process.

 

The Committee subsequently 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 Ministry informed the Committee that registered ZGOs would be responsible for boarding and lodging, essential services, welfare and safe return of Zaireen and would remain accountable under prescribed contractual and regulatory requirements. The revised mechanism would also strengthen coordination among the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistani missions and relevant authorities in the host countries, with the objective of improving security, emergency response, facilitation and resolution of complaints.

 

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 observed that the success of the revised Ziarat Policy would ultimately depend upon effective regulation, meaningful oversight, financial transparency, enforceable service standards and protection of the interests and safety of Zaireen. Members emphasized that registration alone should not be treated as sufficient and that there must be effective mechanisms for monitoring service quality, handling complaints, enforcing contractual obligations and taking action against any ZGO found in violation of prescribed requirements.

 

In order to undertake an in-depth examination of the matters requiring further scrutiny, the Committee constituted a Sub-Committee under the convenorship of Mr. Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, MNA. Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA; Mr. Ahmed Saleem Siddique, MNA; and Ms. Naeema Kishwar, MNA 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 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.

 

The meeting was attended by Hon. Members Mr. Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, Ms. Seema Mohi-ud-Din Jamelli, Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli, Ms. Muneeba Iqbal, Ms. Neelam, Ms. Musarrat Rafique Mahesar, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki (via Zoom), and Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA. The Hon. Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, Secretary, and senior officers of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony also attended the meeting.