PM orders inquiry into failure to utilise private Haj quota

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the failure of Pakistani authorities to fulfil the formalities set by Saudi Arabia for availing private Haj quota this year, which has deprived thousands of intending pilgrims of the facility.

A three-member committee, headed by federal secretary for Cabinet Division Kamran Afzal, has been constituted, which will submit its report within three days, says a notification. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Chaudhary Rashid Mahmood Langrial and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmad Mirza are the two other members of the committee.

According to the notification the prime minister has taken serious notice of the non-availing of private Haj quota for Hajj-2025 due to non-compliance of requirements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and ordered the constitution of an inquiry committee on “Hajj Arrangements”.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf told The News on Friday that he gave a presentation to the Prime Minister on the matter a day ago.

To a query, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who assumed office last month, said all relevant arrangements for Haj had been completed before he assumed office. Chaudhary Salik Hussain, who had been earlier holding additional charge of the ministry, was not available for comments.