ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 12th Aug, 2026) Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony emphasized that the Hajj Policy 2027-2030 should remain pilgrim-centric, transparent, financially prudent and responsive to the evolving requirements of Pakistani pilgrims, while ensuring effective parliamentary oversight and accountability.
To undertake an in-depth review of the proposed Hajj Policy 2027–2030 and formulate recommendations aimed at further improving and strengthening the policy in the long term, the Committee appointed a Sub-Committee under the convenorship of Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, Shagufta Jumani, Ahmed Saleem Siddique, and Naeema Kishwar, were nominated as Members of the Sub-Committee.
The Committee met at Parliament House on Wednesday under the chairpersonship of Member National Assembly, Shagufta Jumani and reviewed the performance of Hajj Operation 2026 and deliberate upon the preparations and proposed policy framework for Hajj 2027–2030.
The Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony and the Federal Secretary briefed the Committee on the salient features of the proposed Hajj Policy and Plan 2027–2030, highlighting its focus on continuity, predictability and long-term operational planning in line with Saudi Hajj requirements.
He stated that the policy seeks to improve services for Pakistani pilgrims, enhance transparency and accountability, reduce procurement and operational costs, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen pilgrim welfare mechanisms.
The Committee was informed that key measures under the proposed policy include continuous registration, a priority waiting-list mechanism, advance selection of preferred Hajj arrangements, a 10 percent registration deposit, a Shariah-compliant Hajj savings scheme, and multi-year procurement and service contracts.
The policy further provides for a 60 percent Government and 40 percent Private Hajj quota, long- and short-duration Hajj packages, enhanced regulation of private Hajj operators, merit-based selection of welfare staff, and strengthened Takaful protection and emergency response mechanisms.
The Committee expressed serious displeasure over the presentation of the Hajj Policy 2027 before the Federal Cabinet for approval without its prior consideration and without obtaining the views and recommendations of the elected representatives through the Standing Committee.
The Chairperson and Members observed that such a practice undermines the constitutional role of Parliament and weakens the Committee’s oversight function, particularly in matters of significant public importance having a direct bearing on the welfare of Pakistani pilgrims.
The Minister assured the Committee that, in future, all the Policies would be placed before the Standing Committee for detailed consideration, consultation and input prior to its submission to the Federal Cabinet, thereby ensuring meaningful parliamentary oversight and participation in the formulation of the policy.
The Committee also received a comprehensive briefing on the governance, financial management and functioning of the Evacuee Trust Property board (ETPB), including the management and preservation of Gurdwaras, Mandirs and other religious and heritage properties.
The Committee was also briefed on the Board’s sources of income, annual budget, audit mechanism and ongoing development and conservation projects.
The Committee took serious note of the substantial funds being generated and allocated for the management and development of Evacuee Trust Properties and sought detailed clarification regarding their utilization, financial controls, transparency and monitoring mechanisms.
Members questioned whether the expenditure incurred on development and conservation projects was commensurate with the actual progress and quality of work on the ground.
While reviewing the Minority Development Fund, the Committee questioned the pace of implementation and utilization of approved funds, particularly where significant allocations remained unutilized.
The Committee sought details of project-wise allocations, releases, expenditure, physical progress, completion timelines and mechanisms for third-party monitoring and quality assurance.
The Committee also raised serious concerns regarding the Rs. 883.834 million residential block at Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib, which has reportedly achieved only 60 percent physical progress, and sought a clear explanation for the pace of execution, cost escalation, contractual arrangements and expected date of completion.
The Committee directed the Ministry/ETPB to provide a comprehensive project-wise statement of funds allocated, released and utilized, along with the current physical status of all ongoing schemes, reasons for delays, procurement details and accountability mechanisms. The Committee emphasized that public funds must be utilized transparently, efficiently and strictly for the intended welfare, preservation and development objectives of minority communities and religious heritage sites.
The Committee recommended that, on the pattern of the Hajj Policy, a comprehensive Ziarat Policy for the holy places and religious sites of non-Muslim citizens of Pakistan may also be formulated, with appropriate arrangements for pilgrimage, facilitation, security, welfare and preservation of religious heritage, and presented before the Committee in its next meeting for detailed consideration.
The Committee also recommended that the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony may take up the matter of the inadequacy of the Minority Development Fund with the Prime Minister and seek a substantial increase in its allocation to ensure the effective implementation of development, welfare and empowerment initiatives for minority communities.
The Committee differed review the implementation status of the Committee’s previous recommendations.
The Committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting held on July 15, 2026.
The meeting was attended by the members Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, Seema Mohi-ud-Din Jamelli, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Shahnaz Saleem Malik(via Zoom), Muneeba Iqbal, Neelam, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Musarrat Rafique Mahesar, Samina Khalid Ghurki (via Zoom), Mr. Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, and Naeema Kishwar Khan, MNA.
The Hon. Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, the Secretary, and senior officers of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony also attended the meeting.
