Says a lot of pilgrims reportedly suffered during their stay in Saudi Arabia. PHOTO: FILE
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Friday ordered a probe into alleged mismanagement in Hajj 2019.
Maulana Asad Mehmood, chairman of the committee, directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to take action against responsible officials. Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri told the committee that the ministry would comply with its directives and provide the required information to investigators.
He said he is a frequent visitor to Saudi Arabia and could say with confidence that the Hajj 2019 arrangements were the best. Asad said the committee does not believe in character assassination of the minister but wants an inquiry as a lot of pilgrims reportedly suffered during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
PM Imran to seek Road-to-Makkah facility for all Pakistani pilgrims
A member of the committee, Shagufta Jumani, called for details regarding Road to Makkah and E-visa projects. She said Hajj videos that went viral on social media were a proof of the incompetence of the ministry as pilgrims faced lots of difficulties.
The minister said there were 17 such videos dating back to 2016. Jumani said pilgrims faced difficulties in availing facilities such as food and residence. “Who is responsible for the difficulties faced by the Hajj pilgrims,” she asked.
Talking about Road to Makkah, the minister said Saudi Arabia first offered that facility to Indonesia and Malaysia. It was offered at Islamabad airport for the first time on experimental basis and now it would also be available at Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar.
He said the E-visa facility earlier was offered to France, Nigeria, Morocco and another country. Pakistan was the fifth country to receive the E-visa service.
The minster informed the committee that complaints were received against 19 out of the 47 Makatibs during the Hajj. Complaints against six of the Makatibs were of serious nature. The minister assured to cancel licenses of these six Makatibs.
Jumani said this year Hajj was very expensive while the day before yesterday complaint was received that 500 people were sent to Medina but a building was acquired for their lodgings. Hajj pilgrims waited for hours for transport and had to eat dry bread.
The committee later ordered that the ministry should investigate this matter and ascertain the facts.
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