The Federal Cabinet, which approved the Haj policy on Wednesday abolished discretionary quotas of President, Prime Minister and legislators. This was stated by the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira and Religious Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi while addressing a joint news conference here at Press Information Department (PID).
Informing the media about the decision of the Cabinet which met with Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani earlier during the day, the Minister for Information said that as per cabinet decision, there would be no special Haj quota for President, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly and other VVIPs.
Religious Minister said that under the Haj policy-2009, 1,59,647 persons would perform Haj and number of pilgrims under the government scheme would be 80,000 and those under private operators would be 79,647. The Saudi government was requested for additional quota of around 10,000.
Giving details about other decision taken by the Cabinet Kaira said that Prime Minister has directed that the import of Urea fertiliser would be conducted through Gwadar deep seaport to enhance business activities there.
He said the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) was directed to import 0.2 million ton Urea Fertiliser to meet its demand in the country as well all the relevant ministries to co-ordinate to ensure smooth supply of major agricultural input.