The 8th meeting of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony convened at Parliament House in Islamabad under the chairpersonship of Ms. Shagufta Jumani, MNA, acting as chairperson for the session. The convener presented the Sub-Committee report on the Roza-e-Rasool SOPs for official high-level delegations paying homage, and the Committee considered and refined the proposed amendments.
The Committee adopted the updated Roza-e-Rasool SOPs and instructed the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony to submit the revised document for further legislative processing in the National Assembly. Members underscored the importance of ensuring the delegation’s timely departure and presence at Roza-e-Rasool on 11th Rabi-ul-Awal, given the occasion’s sanctity and significance.
Committee members recommended that high-level delegates be accorded the status of State Guests in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and that their visits, meetings, and engagements with Saudi counterparts be scheduled before departure. The Honourable Minister assured the Committee that necessary measures would be taken to facilitate the delegation.
The Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the current selection process for Moavineen and recommended that the Ministry revisit and strengthen the selection criteria in the next Hajj Policy 2027. The acting chairperson highlighted gaps in facilitation, noting the absence of structured offices for Zaireen in Baghdad and Karbala-e-Mualla, and directed the Secretary to establish fully staffed offices at both locations.
Emphasizing comprehensive arrangements for pilgrims and visitors, the acting chairperson urged the Ministry to ensure well-regulated facilities for Zaireen and to draft a feasible subsidy package similar to those extended to Hajj pilgrims. The Committee also recommended consultations with Pakistan International Airlines and other relevant authorities to explore subsidized airfares for Zaireen and decided to invite the Chairman PIA to the next meeting.
The Secretary briefed members on the restoration plan for Pakistan Houses in Makkah and Madinah and provided detailed accounts of funds reserved and utilized for officers and officials posted at the Pakistan Hajj Mission on a monthly and yearly basis. A comprehensive report on the implementation status of the Committee’s prior recommendations was also presented.
Starred Question No. 61, moved by Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan, was deferred due to the mover’s absence. The Committee unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting.
The session was attended by MNAs Mr. Ijaz-ul-Haq Zia, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jilani, Ms. Seema Mohi-ud-Din Jameeli, Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki, Mr. Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Ms. Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Ms. Muneeba Iqbal, and Ms. Neelam, along with the Honourable Minister, the Secretary, and senior officers of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony.
The Committee’s actions on the Roza-e-Rasool SOPs aim to streamline protocol for official delegations and strengthen support structures for Zaireen through revised policies, new facilitation offices, and potential travel subsidies ahead of upcoming religious observances.
