The National Assembly was informed on Monday that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is considering a shift in policy to ensure Hajj Muavineen focus solely on assisting pilgrims during Hajj, rather than participating themselves.

During the Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry disclosed that recommendations are being finalized to implement this change. The objective is for Muavineen to remain fully available for guidance and support to the Hujjaj in Makkah. Under this strategy, Muavineen will not don the Ahram while aiding pilgrims.

Chaudhry also provided insights into the deployment of Seasonal Staff for Hajj duties. Experienced personnel are stationed at critical locations such as Madinah Munawwarah and Jeddah Airports, handling operations, lost and found services, accommodation, transportation, and complaint management. This staff operates on a rotation basis with a transparent selection process.

Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed the House on the situation in Gaza, condemning what he termed as genocide by Israel. He reported that approximately sixty-five thousand Palestinians have been killed, with many more injured or missing. Pakistan”s ongoing support for Palestine was reiterated, emphasizing aid in food and medical supplies.

Sahibzada Hamid Raza called for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to meet in Pakistan over the crisis, while Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal suggested bringing injured Palestinian families to Pakistan for medical treatment.

The session began with a fateha, led by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, for the souls of eight Pakistanis murdered in Iran, ex-Senator Professor Khurshid Ahmad, and others.