Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed on Monday that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is considering requiring Hajj Muavineen to fully focus on serving pilgrims, rather than performing Hajj themselves. The Ministry is finalizing its recommendations to ensure Hajj Muavineen remain available to assist and guide the Hujjaj throughout their pilgrimage in Makkah. Under this strategy, Hajj Muavineen will not be permitted to wear Ahram while providing services to pilgrims during the Hajj days.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry explained that the proposed measure aims to enhance the support provided to pilgrims. He highlighted that ministerial staff, referred to as Seasonal Staff, are deputed for Hajj duties in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This experienced staff is mainly deployed at locations such as Madinah Munawarrah and Jeddah Airports, Mission operation Offices, Lost and Found Cell Accommodation, and other essential areas. The selection of this staff is carried out through a transparent process and on a rotational basis.
In related discussions, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar condemned Israel for the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. During the debate on Israeli atrocities in Palestine, he reported that around sixty-five thousand Palestinians, including women and children, have been martyred, with one hundred and thirty thousand critically injured. Additionally, the whereabouts of fifteen thousand individuals remain unknown. He stated that Pakistan has consistently supported Palestinians by providing food, medicines, and other assistance.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza urged the government to convene an OIC meeting in Pakistan to address the Palestinian issue. Meanwhile, Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal suggested bringing one hundred injured Palestinian families to Pakistan for medical treatment and healthcare.
Additionally, the House offered fateha for the souls of eight Pakistanis murdered in Iran, ex-Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmad, and others, led by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.