MNAs seek probe into alleged corrupt Hajj practices

Ministry extends deadline for submission of Hajj apps

ISLAMABAD:

The members of the National Assembly on Friday sought a probe into alleged corrupt practices for including applicants, who had not qualified for balloting, among successful Hajj pilgrims after taking bribes from them.

MNAs Dr Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto and Sheikh Fayyazuddin during the Question Hour session made queries pertaining to the criteria of posting staff on Hajj duties, alleging that corruption was committed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in including names in the list of successful pilgrims.

Mahreen of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) asked the religious affairs minister to apprise the house that the staff who already performed three Hajj was sent again or not to avoid discrimination among other employees to render official duties during Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.

She also asked him to clear the policy details in this regard.

MNA Fayyazuddin of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) alleged that the ministry officials took Rs30,000 from Hujjaj to add their names in the successful ballot list, saying: "Will this continue this year as well or the ministry will take any action?"

Minister for Religious Affairs Mufti Abdul Shakoor said the federal cabinet used to sanction approval to the Hajj and after that, the minister used to assign duties to its staff.

He added that there was no limitation in that policy after the principle decision that one official who performed three Hajj should not be sent again. However, he said the experienced staff was sent after a discussion with senior officials.

The minister underlined that the ministry had proper committees to ensure monitoring in Makkah and Madina whereas a medical mission headed by a senior doctor, a core committee and Hajj committees were present there to ensure proper management of the staff.

The minister urged the members to identify the officials involved in the alleged corrupt practices and the ministry would ensure disciplinary action with full cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Friday extended the deadline for the submission of applications under the Regular Hajj Scheme till Sunday, April 2.

According to the spokesperson, the designated banks would be open to receive Hajj applications on weekends – Saturdays and Sundays.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was approached by the designated banks for permission to remain open.

The spokesperson said the last date to submit applications for the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme had been extended till next Sunday, April 9.

The decision to extend the deadlines was made due to the difficulties in receiving remittances from overseas Pakistanis.

Last week, the Ministry of Religious Affairs had ruled out the possibility of extending the last date to submit Hajj applications.