Religious ministry under fire over Hajj policy

Members of the Senate strongly criticized the religious ministry for the Hajj Policy and the increase in Hajj fares, Friday.

ISLAMABAD: Members of the Senate strongly criticized the religious ministry for Hajj Policy and increase in Hajj fares on Friday.

Religious Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi said that his ministry was taking all out measures to facilitate the pilgrims.

He said that increase in fares was result of price hike and devaluation of the Rupee. However, the government is trying to shift a minimum burden on pilgrims.

He said Pakistan International Airline (PIA) proposed Rs 13,000 increase in fare, however, on the directives of president and prime minister only Rs 6,000 was increased.

Kazmi said the Hajj package being given by Pakistan government is comparatively less than the package of any other country of the world.

He said that earlier, the pilgrims were being given 650 Riyals when they reached Saudi Arabia but now the amount has been increased to 900 Riyals.

However, the Senators were not satisfied with the Religious Minister and said that the matter was of serious concern and should be looked into.

Senators Ghulam Ali and Kalsoom Parveen while criticizing the ministry of religious affairs said that pilgrims were not being entertained by the ministry's officials deputed in Saudi Arabia during Hajj season.

Haji Adeel and Tariq Azeem said that the performance of the religious ministry was not up to the mark and it should be reviewed.

Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Saleh Shah said that the committee's recommendations regarding Hajj policy were ignored by the ministry.

Chairman Senate Farooq H Naek taking note of the issue referred the matter to Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and asked it to examine the Hajj policy and present its report within seven days.

The Chairman also asked the members of the House to give their recommendations to the Chairman of the Standing Committee for consideration.