Islamabad, November 12, 2026: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony has called for expeditious security clearance and issuance of registration certificates to Zaireen Group Organizers (ZGOs), while recommending a reduction in the Rs1 million security deposit to ease the financial burden on pilgrims.
The committee also directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony to provide copies of the Zaireen Management Policy for examination, enabling lawmakers to review its provisions, identify implementation gaps and assess the consistency of the regulatory framework.
The committee met on Thursday under the acting chairmanship of MNA Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq.
During the meeting, the ministry informed the committee that 922 companies had obtained security clearance from the Ministry of Interior, 282 had been processed for registration, and 261 registration certificates had been issued.
The committee stressed the need for a clearly defined timeline for security clearance and registration, particularly to facilitate ZGOs and ensure timely arrangements for pilgrims. Expressing concern over the Rs1 million security deposit, especially for small-scale operators, it recommended reviewing and reducing the amount.
The committee also reviewed the financial management of Hajj operations, including banking arrangements, handling of funds, profits and losses, and audit mechanisms.
It emphasized that all financial transactions and contractual arrangements must ensure transparency and accountability and strictly comply with prescribed rules and competitive procurement procedures. Effective coordination between federal and provincial authorities was also stressed to ensure uniformity and improved facilitation for pilgrims.
Discussing arrangements for parliamentary delegations visiting Saudi Arabia, the committee expressed concern over reported difficulties relating to visas, accommodation and travel arrangements. It called for clearly defined standard operating procedures (SOPs) and improved coordination with Saudi authorities.
The committee also examined concerns regarding the selection of Hajj-related companies, particularly alleged violations of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules and Saudi instructions.
The Sub-Committee’s report and recommendations on the selection process were endorsed for submission to the ministry. The ministry was also asked to explain the alleged procurement irregularities and the continued operations of a blacklisted company.
Regarding minority welfare, the ministry informed the committee that, following its earlier recommendations, the matter of increasing development funds had been taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office, resulting in an additional allocation of Rs10 million for each minority member.
Appreciating the prime minister’s initiative, the committee recommended that the Minister for Religious Affairs coordinate with the Prime Minister’s Office to arrange a meeting between the prime minister and a delegation representing minority communities to discuss their development-related concerns and funding requirements.
The committee also recommended coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate visas for members of minority communities wishing to visit their respective holy sites.
The committee further decided to take up the status of a proposed museum in Islamabad, in response to a request from the Saudi government, and the proposed establishment of an embassy in Iraq during its next meeting. It emphasized the need for appropriate inter-ministerial coordination and follow-up on both matters.
The meeting was attended by MNAs and committee members Seema Mohi-ud-Din Jameeli, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Neelum, Shagufta Jumani, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Naeema Kishwer Khan, Ahmad Saleem Siddiqui and Dr. Nelson Azeem.
The Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, along with senior ministry officials, also attended the meeting.
