Selection of private Haj operators to be transparent

Secretary Religious Affairs Zakat and Usher, Vakil Ahmed Khan has said that a transparent system would be adopted for the selection of private Haj operators.
While briefing a delegation of woman parliamentarians on main features of Haj policy, he said a high level committee would carry out selection.
He said applications from experienced Haj operators for enrolment had been invited by the Ministry up to June 24.
The secretary said necessary safeguards will be provided under the private scheme and the operators will have to get the package approved and provide necessary financial guarantees.
An effective monitoring system will also be provided at Makkah Al Mukarrama and Madina Al Munawwarah for ensuring provision of quality service by the operators.
Pakistan, he said will utilise its full quota and send 150,000 Hujaj under government scheme and 50,000 under private scheme.
In case the number of applications is more than the approved quota, he said selection would be made through open ballot.
Vakil Ahmed said the enrolment of private Haj operators was under process.
Under the private scheme, all arrangement except Haj passport would be made by the concerned Haj operators with the government ensuring if the private promoters fulfil their commitments.
He also gave details about the schedule of receipt of Haj applications through both schemes, eligibility criterion of applications, Haj dues, accommodation in Saudi Arabia, medical facilities and role of Khudam-ul-Hujjaj and training of Hujjaj.
He said that those Pakistani pilgrims are eligible for performing Haj who possess computerised national identity cards issued by Nadra and are about the age of 18 years and above.
He said the total dues from Karachi and Quetta would be Rs 100,215 and from all other gateways Rs 105,362.
Keeping in view the increase in petrol prices, PIA fares have been increased by 20 percent.
He further said negotiations with PIA authorities for better facilities are being undertaken.
He assured that in case of meaningful decline in the oil prices internationally, PIA will be asked for reducing the fare and such deduction would be passed on to Hujjaj.
The secretary also discussed queries on various aspects of the Haj policy of the lady parliamentarians. He welcomed their suggestions on the subject and assured that their suggestions would be placed before the religious minister for considerations.