Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain has announced that the government is preparing to launch a new policy for pilgrims, revealing that nearly 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq.
During a briefing to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, chaired by Senator Atta-ur-Rehman, it was disclosed that a new policy regarding pilgrimages to various countries has been drafted and sent to the cabinet for approval.
The committee was informed that pilgrimages to Iran, Iraq, and Syria are monitored in Tiftan through groups, with 136 groups being sent for pilgrimages.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain revealed that around 50,000 Pakistani pilgrims have gone missing in Iraq.
He mentioned a recent meeting with the Iraqi Ambassador, who stated that the Iraqi government provides free visas for pilgrims, but tour operators charge between $80 and $90 for the visas.
Additional Secretary of Religious Affairs stated that the Iraqi government prefers pilgrims to come in groups, as they have their own authority and system at the border.
The committee also reviewed issues faced by pilgrims at the Tiftan border, with Senator Raja Nasir Abbas highlighting delays, lack of basic facilities, and high prices and poor quality of food.
The Minister suggested that involving provincial governments could significantly improve the situation.
The committee decided to address the issue with provincial governments and chief secretaries and to prepare a comprehensive policy for better management.
It was also noted that direct flights for pilgrims from India and back have remained at 200 to 500 seats since 1974.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) emphasized that any new policy should especially consider the needs of women and children and ensure their facilities.
The Federal Minister mentioned that steps are being taken to control illegal travel to other countries.
For the Correction of Quranic Errors:
The committee was informed that steps have been taken to address errors in the printing of the Quran, and a draft for error-free publication has been shared with the provinces.
Regarding the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, it was mentioned that only two people are assigned to assist, and the committee’s budget is just 6.4 million rupees annually.
The committee was also informed about a new policy to promote interfaith harmony, which has been sent to the cabinet.
Senator Gurdeep Singh suggested that religious festivals should be celebrated officially like other religions, to which officials responded that Sikh festivals are prominently celebrated, with Punjab’s Chief Minister participating in events for Baba Guru Nanak’s birthday.
Complaints about Government Hajj Scheme:
The committee was updated on Hajj 2024, with new measures introduced to improve facilities for pilgrims. Road transport from Makkah to Islamabad and Karachi has been facilitated, and a short-term Hajj option has been introduced.
It was reported that the number of tour operators has been reduced from 902 to 162, with a minimum quota of 500 per company. Plans are to further reduce operators to 100 and increase their minimum quota to 1,000.
The chairman noted numerous complaints from pilgrims regarding services, including equal accommodation and food provision for different package levels.
Officials stated that most complaints regarding the government Hajj scheme have been addressed, and complaints related to private tour operators are being compiled for further resolution. The committee will receive details on these complaints and work towards better solutions.