The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, chaired by Senator Atta ur Rehman, on Wednesday reviewed the process followed in the awarding of ‘Mashaer Services’ under the Government Hajj Scheme.

The Committee held an exclusive session centered on the reservation highlighted by the Private Hajj Operators. Secretary for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Dr Ata ur Rehman, stated that the Saudi Government introduced cluster system for the better management of Hajj operations restricting 900 operations to 41.

He said non materialization of Service Provider Agreement and rationalization of Hajj packages with the Private Hajj Operators are the main reasons hindering private operators from the booking, the official added.

Secretary for Religious Affairs stated that the Prime Minister had also raised reservations on the process, which resulted in depriving around 75,000 Hujjaj from performing Hajj, and formed a committee to fix the responsibility.

On the direction of Prime Minister, Foreign Minister took up the matter with the Saudi counterpart and eventually ended up in getting allocation of additional 10,000 quota.

The said 10,000 quota was divided between private operators on first come first basis. Senator Atta ur Rehman lamented both the ministry and private hajj operators, stating that 65,000 Hujjaj have been deprived from performing Hajj due to ego war between both the parties.

Senator Aon Abbas stated that the Private Hajj Operators have sent over 400 million Riyals from February to April despite having no quota available. He inquired as to why the ministry has not stopped the private hajj operators from sending money when the quota was not available.

The Committee formed a Sub-Committee to investigate the matter and fix responsibility on the individuals involved in derailing the Hajj operations.