The Senate's Standing Committee on Religious Affairs while expressing serious reservations over the process of approving Hajj applications has observed that only blue-eyed individuals and specific companies are being entertained. The committee has sought complete details in this regard from the ministry.
The committee, which met here with Senator Hafiz Hamdullah in the chair on Wednesday, discussed complete criteria adopted by the Ministry for latest re-evaluation of all the existing companies enlisted with the Ministry. The body recommended the Ministry to issue an explanatory note regarding the Hajj tours operator in light of the High Court's decision.
The Committee members observed that only blue-eyed people and companies were being entertained for a specific time by some banks and they (banks) only accept/approve their applications. The committee issued directives to the concerned authorities to investigate as to how some 54 thousands people were entertained in a single hour. Senator Raja Mohammad Zafar-ul-Haq said that the high court decision had given the impression that special people and groups were being obliged and the ministry did not bother even to issue an explanatory note in this regard.
State Minister Amin-ul-Hasnat said that the officials were scared of Court orders, on which Zafar-ul-Haq said that the Ministry should not be afraid. Senator Zahid Khan said that the ministry's lawyers were not present in the court. Materials were published in media which gave the impression that ministry might enter into some deal, said Zafarul Haq adding that it made the Ministry controversial ant it needed to expel such impressions.
Joint Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs said that there was about 5-6 categories, where experience and old companies had been given 25 marks. Registration was being done under the Companies Ordinance after scrutiny of all documents, he added. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousuf said that to investigate the case of Zahid Khan, it was sent for re-examination. However, he said, the decision is still awaited. Upon this, Zahid Khan said that there was difference in the statements of the Minister and Secretary. Yousuf said that the objections were raised over 1400 companies and these were being re-examined. Zahid Khan said that approval of the policy through Chartered Accountant was wrong. Senator Babar Awan said that Ministry's method of entering into contract was contradictory to the Constitution. He called for reviewing the Hajj policy.
The Minister said that government had cut Hajj expenses to Rs 245000 this year against Rs 295000 of last year to facilitate people in performing their religious obligation. He further said that under the government scheme Rs 20000 would be returned to Hujjaj this year.