NA Panel Expresses Concerns Over Hajj Assistants’ Selection Process
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony raised concerns on Friday regarding the selection process of Moavineen-e-Hujjaj, highlighting several shortcomings in the system.
During a meeting chaired by Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar at the Parliament House, the committee instructed the ministry to present the NTS exam paper, the list of selected Moavineen, and details of selection procedures in other Muslim countries at the next session.
Committee members urged the ministry to review the existing selection criteria and remove unnecessary hurdles for individuals willing to serve pilgrims with devotion.
They stressed the importance of adopting a more efficient selection mechanism for the next year, suggesting an alternative to the National Testing Service (NTS), which imposes high fees and additional costs on applicants.
The committee also recommended that the ministry organize comprehensive training programs for selected candidates in alignment with Hajj guidelines.
Additionally, the committee reviewed the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the ministry’s financial year 2025-2026.
Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman, Additional Secretary, informed the committee that various wings of the ministry, along with Haji Camps, are in the process of drafting proposals for new projects. Once finalized, these proposals will be submitted for committee approval.
He also provided an update on an ongoing project—the construction of the Hajj Complex in Lahore.