• Instructing the department to draft a framework for those visiting Iraq and Saudi Arabia; calling for the continued traditional “salar” system to manage pilgrimage groups
• Urges publicity campaigns on travel rules, protocols and safety measures; suggests a $50 subsidy package on the HAJ facility model
Islamabad: National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs on Thursday directed the ministry to prepare an integrated framework to promote millions of Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) who visited the Holy Land Iraq and Saudi Arabia each year.
The meeting, chaired by the committee chairman, Shagufta Jumani, learned that Iraq’s recent restrictions on visas for men under 50 constituted visa restrictions for travel alone.
The committee heroes discussed the Zaireen policy in detail and directed the Ministry of Religion to continue to manage the traditional “salar” mechanism of pilgrimage groups.
The Chair launched an advocacy campaign through printing, electronics and social media to guide Zaireen to develop travel rules, protocols and security measures. The group also sought a subsidy package, including a cost reduction of $50 to the Haj facility model.
Regarding air travel, the Commission recommends consultations with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other authorities to initiate direct flights from Karachi to Najaf.
It further proposes the establishment of permanent convenience equipment at major airports and the restoration of Pakistani houses in Mecca and Medina to ensure dignified accommodation for pilgrims.
The committee stressed that contracts for pilgrimage services should be awarded to multiple well-known companies through transparent processes to improve competition and efficiency.
Members also expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements of the Roza-i-Breed (PBUH)’s annual official delegation, urging the delegation to be regarded as state guests and standard operating procedures (Soup).
A subcommittee led by Ms. Jumani was formed to make recommendations.
The group also accepted the National Minority Rights Bill of Relocation in 2025 by the Naveed Amir Jeeva.
In considering the arrangements for the annual visits of the official high delegation at Roza-i-Breed (PBUH), the Committee once again expressed dissatisfaction with the current arrangement. In view of the sanctity and significance of the occasion, the members stressed the importance of ensuring that the delegation leaves Roza-i-Breed in a timely manner.
The Committee further recommends that during the sacred visit, the delegations were granted the status of national guests to uphold Pakistan’s dignity and honor. In this regard, the Commission urges the Ministry to consult with its peer authorities in Saudi Arabia (KSA) and to comply with the issue of extension and official invitations by the Saudi government.
To strengthen the institutional framework and eliminate loopholes in the system, the Committee recommends a comprehensive review of existing soups related to annual delegation visits.
To this end, the Committee constitutes a subcommittee for revisiting the soup and submits detailed recommendations to further consider the Standing Committee. The subcommittee will include Shagufta Jumani, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Samina Khalid Ghurki and Syed Sami Ullah.
Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jilani, Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Ahmed Salem Siddiqui, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Mun Mun Mun Mun Muneeba IQBAL, Neelam. Secretary of State Kesoo Mal Khael Das, as well as secretary and senior officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, also attended the meeting.
Posted at Dawn on September 20, 2025
