ISLAMABAD, Feb 26 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony on Thursday directed the Ministry concerned to submit a complete list of registered and unregistered Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs), along with their registration criteria and the names of their heads, to ensure transparency and effective oversight.
The meeting, chaired by Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA, expressed concern over shortcomings in the selection of Moavineen and the Hajj Medical Mission, citing deficiencies in the NTS system, and recommended a merit-based review of the mechanism, stressing that age should not serve as a disqualifying factor and that merit must remain the paramount consideration.
The Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, briefed the Committee on the establishment of facilitation offices for Zaireen and the issue of subsidy packages.
He informed that the Ministry’s mandate is primarily regulatory, confined to monitoring the services provided by Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs) in accordance with existing agreements. He added that the Ministry neither formulates nor offers Ziarat packages. It was further conveyed that the establishment of facilitation offices for Zaireen in Baghdad and Karbala-e-Mualla has formally been taken up with the concerned authorities; however, their operationalization remains subject to the consent and approval of the respective host countries.
The Secretary further informed the Committee that a proposal seeking a reduction in PIA airfare for pilgrims was communicated to the Ministry of Defence; however, no response has yet been received.
The Committee further resolved to recommend that a formal communication be addressed to the Office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan seeking an increase in the Minority Welfare Fund, noting that the current allocation is insufficient to meet prevailing needs. It emphasized that the enhancement of the Fund is essential to fostering inclusivity, promoting social equity, and safeguarding the welfare of minority communities, thereby enabling their meaningful participation in social, cultural, and religious spheres.
The Committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on 26 January 2025 and conducted a detailed review of the implementation status of its earlier recommendations.
The meeting was attended by 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 MNAs. The Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, along with other senior officers of the Ministry, was also in attendance.