Pakistan Formally Requests Iraq to Establish Zaireen Facilitation Offices
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony was briefed on Thursday that the Government of Pakistan has officially initiated discussions with the respective host countries to establish facilitation offices for Zaireen in Baghdad and Karbala-e-Mualla. The meeting, convened at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA, featured a detailed presentation by the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony regarding Zaireen facilitation and related subsidy matters.
Ministry's Regulatory Role and Office Establishment
The Secretary emphasized that the ministry's mandate is primarily regulatory, focusing on monitoring the services provided by Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs) in accordance with existing agreements. He clarified that the ministry does not formulate or offer Ziarat packages. Furthermore, he stated that while the establishment of facilitation offices in Baghdad and Karbala-e-Mualla has been formally taken up with the concerned authorities, their operationalization is contingent upon the consent and approval of the respective host countries.
Committee Concerns and Recommendations
The committee expressed serious concerns over procedural shortcomings, highlighting significant gaps in the selection criteria for Moavineen and the Hajj Medical Mission, as well as deficiencies in the NTS operating system. It observed that the current framework might lead to the exclusion of competent and deserving candidates. In response, the committee recommended a comprehensive review and rationalization of the selection mechanism, stressing that age should not be used as a disqualifying factor and that merit must remain the primary consideration.
Additional Proposals and Minority Welfare
Additionally, the committee was informed that a proposal to reduce PIA airfare for pilgrims had been forwarded to the Ministry of Defence, but no response has been received thus far. The committee also directed the ministry to submit a complete list of all ZGOs, including the names of their respective heads, at the next meeting to enhance transparency and oversight. Moreover, the committee resolved to recommend formal communication to the prime minister seeking an increase in the Minority Welfare Fund, noting that the current allocation is insufficient to meet prevailing needs and is essential for promoting inclusivity and social equity.
Meeting Attendance
The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including 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), Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, and Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan. The Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, along with other senior officers, was also present.
