Distribution of Hajj quota called ‘discriminatory’

The committee also demanded NAB to investigate the funds commission on an emergency basis

ISLAMABAD: The Hajj Joint Action Committee (non-quota holders) on Tuesday claimed the distribution of private Hajj quota by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is being conducted in a discriminatory manner.

It was stated during a press conference addressed by Hajj Joint Action Committee central office-bearers Mufti Abdul Sattar, Adil Butt, and Raja Majid.

According to the former decisions of the courts, the entire quota being offered by Saudi Arabia should be distributed in a fair manner among the new quota and non-quota holders, the committee said.

Pakistan's Hajj quota officially increased to 200,000

The central leaders alleged that still the Hajj mafia rules over the ministry and all the sympathies of the ministry rests with Hajj Organisers Association of Pakistan (HOAP).
They accused the authority of taking money from favourite companies for awarding of quota, while the non-quota holders are being kept away from the balloting.

According to the Supreme Court’s verdict, the quota must be distributed fairly, they said, however, the opposite is happening in the ministry.

The committee leaders said the Ministry of Religious Affairs maintains that the HOAP Company working on Hajj and Umra is quite strong. In the given circumstance, it should be assumed that the ministry is “helpless” and “bribery reigns” as it is dominated by a company, they added.
They demanded of the government to audit HOAP’s Hujjaj commissioning fund and ensure that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is free of corruption.

PIA all set to commence Hajj operations from July 4

The committee also demanded of the National Accountability Bureau chairman to investigate the funds commission on an emergency basis and hold accountable all those responsible in the process.

Minister for Religious Affairs Nurul Haq Qadri is “helpless” in front of the company, they said, claiming every work is being done as per the wishes of HOAP.

The HOAP was established in 2010 and since then an artificial market has been created for the distribution of Hajj quota, they alleged.

The committee leaders accused HOAP members of allocating packages on its own discretion of which the ministry’s concerned staff is unaware.