SENATE OF PAKISTAN
REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
(August 2009- November 2011)
Presented by SENATOR MAULANA MUHAMMAD SALEH SHAH QURASHI CHAIRMAN
SENATE OF PAKISTAN
REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
(August 2009- November 2011)
Presented by
SENATOR MAULANA MUHAMMAD SALEH SHAH QURASHI
CHAIRMAN This document has been published with the assistance of Strengthening Democracy through Parliamentary Development in Pakistan, Project of UNDP REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs
(August 2009- November 2011)
REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
CONTENTS
Page No Acknowledgments ……………………………………...... ……….…..………. i Composition of the Committee…………………………………….….……. iii Members of the Committee (Pictorial View)………………………….…... v Party Affiliations………………………………………………………………... ix Profiles of the Committee Members ……………………………………….. xi Secretaries to the Committee ...... xxv From the Destk of Chairman…………………………………………………. xxix
Executive Summary…………………………………………………………… 01
Minutes of Meeting – i …………………………………………………… 03 Discussion on Haj Policy 2009-2010 - August 7, 2009
Minutes of Meeting – ii………………………………………………….. 05 Discussion on Hajj Policy 2009-2010 and irregularities committed in connection with allotment of Hajj quota to Tour Operators by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. - August 12, 2009
Minutes of Meeting – iii ………………………………………………… 10 To settle disputes between the Ministry of Minorities Affairs and Evacuee Trust Property Borad (ETPB) - October 3, 2009
Minutes of Meeting – iv …………………………………………………. 13 Action taken by the Government of Sindh on the distribution of Rs 1 billion collected on
(August 2009- November 2011) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
account of Ushr lying in banks since last fifteen years and appointments of Chairmen of District Zakat and Ushr Committees. - November 10-11, 2009 Minutes of Meeting – v ……………………………………………….. 19 Disbursement of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA and other allied issues. - January 6, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – vi ………………………………………………. 25 Disbursement of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of Punjab - February 1-2, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – vii ……………………………………………… 30. Disbursement of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of Balochistan - March 8-9, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – viii …………………………………………….. 35 Corruption reported in media regarding Hajj arrangements in the country as well as in Saudi Arabia - May11, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – ix …………………………………………...... ….. 43 Briefing on Hajj Policy, 2010 - May 19, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – x …………………………………………...…. 50 Presentation of the report on the Supplementary Question regarding question No. 12 asked in the Senate session held on June 4, 2010 - June 8, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – xi ……………………………………………………….. (August 2009- November 2011) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Examination of the break-up of Hajj Fare-2010 prepared by Minitry of Religious Affairs - June 18, 2010 Minutes of Meeting – xii …………………………………………………… 55 Allocation of Hajj Quota to Hajj Group Organizers (HGO) for Hajj-2010 and enlistment of HGOs by the Ministry. - July 13, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – xiii ………………………………………………….. 60 Non-implementation of the recommendation of the Senate as well as the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs regarding curtailment of Hajj Fare-2010. - July 27, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – xiv ………………………………………………….. 67 Discussion on Report of the Hiring Review Committee on the buildings hired at Makkah and Madina (Saudi Arabia) for Hajj-2010 - September 23, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – xv ………………………………………………….. 75 To consider the point of order raised in House by the Senator Hajji Muhammad Adeel during the sitting of the Senate on 27th July, 2010 - December 20, 2010
Minutes of Meeting – xvi …………………………………………………… 84 To consider Starred Question No. 156 asked on 3rd August, 2010 regarding release of Zakat funds to provinces - February 28, 2011
Minutes of Meeting – xvii ………………………………………………….. 88 Briefing on the allocation of Zakat fund for FATA during financial years 2009-10, 2010-11 - March 12, 2011
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Minutes of Meeting – xviii ………………………………………………….. 93 Briefing on working and performance of Islamic Ideology Council
(August 2009- November 2011) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
deeply appreciate the initiative taken by Senate Secretariat for initiating an exercise of compilation/printing of Committee Reports in coordination with Strengthening IDemocracy through Parliamentary Development (SDPD) project. This would not only assist the chairperson of the committees for timely submission of the reports in the House but would also strengthen overall functioning of Committees and make them more effective, productive and purposeful.
In this regard, I also express my profound thanks to Mr. Iftikhar Ullah Babar, Secretary, Senate and Raja Muhammad Amin, Consultant/Advisor (Law), Senate for facilitating SDPD project to publish the report of Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs for the period 2009 to 2011. Similarly, I also duly acknowledge contributions made by Mr. Abdul Sami Khan, Consultant-SDPD, for his diligent editing of the report and his colleague Ms. Tahira Ambreen, Research Assistant, for providing him assistance for compilation and printing of the report.
Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Chairman
(August 2009- November 2011) i
COMPOSITION OF SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
1 Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Chairman 2 Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro Member 3 Senator Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan Member 4 Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani Member 5 Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan Member 6 Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada Member 7 Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri Member 8 Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani Member 9 Senator Mst. Afia Zia Member 10 Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq Member 11 Senator Prof. Sajid Mir Member 12 Senator Abdur Rashid Member
iv (August 2009- November 2011) MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE (PICTORIAL VIEW) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro Chairman Member
Senator Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani Member Member
Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani Member Member vi (August 2009- November 2011) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani Member Member
Senator Mst. Afia Zia Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq Member Member
Senator Prof. Sajid Mir Senator Abdur Rashid Member Member (August 2009- November 2011) vii
PARTY AFFILIATIONS REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Party Number Independent 02
Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Senator Abdur Rashid Pakistan Muslim League (PML) 01
Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani
Pakistan People Party – Parliamentarian (PPP-P) 01
Senator Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan
Jammiat -e- Ulamai Islam -F 03
Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri Pakistan Muslim League- N 01
Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) 01
Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada
Markazi Jammiat -e- Ahle Hadis 01
Senator Prof. Sajid Mir
ANP 01
Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan
JIP 01
Senator Mst. Afia Zia
x (August 2009- November 2011) PROFILES OF THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Maulana Mohammad Saleh Shah Qurashi
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: IND Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-9207477, 0963-518070 Mobile Phone: 0300-5793993 Province: FATA Address: I. H.No. 18, St-8, Quaid-e-Azam Metropolitan Housing Society, Spring Valley, Simli Dam Road, Phulgran Barakoh, Islamabad. ii. Room No.7, Senate Standing Committee Building, Ex-Usaid Building, Sector G-5, Islamabad.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions Standing Committee on Religious Affairs (Chairman Committee) Standing Committee on Minorities Affairs Standing Committee on Housing and Works Standing Committee on Privatization
Te n u r e : March 2006 to March 2012
Achievements: M.A.
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Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: JUI-F Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-9204144, 074-4059477, 4040542, 4056350 Mobile Phone: 0300-3411651, 0300-32242521 Fax: 074-4056350 Province: Sindh Address: i. J-001, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. ii. Dodaiy Road, Siddiqui Colony U.C. (6) Larkana.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Standing Committee on Science and Technology Standing Committee on Local Government and Rural Development (Chairman Committee) Standing Committee on Health
Te n u r e : March 2006 to March 2012
Achievements: 1. MBBS (R.M.P) - CMC Larkana. 2. MA (Islamic Culture) - Univerity of Sindh Jamshoro. 3. Sanad-ul-Faragh - Jamia Islamia Ishaiatul-Quran Wal-Hadith Dodaiy Road Larkana. 4. Shahadat-ul-Alia - Wafaq-ul-Madaris Al-arabia pakistan. (Multan).
Additional Qualification: 5. Sanad-ul-Tajweed.
Special Courses: 1. Preachers Course from International Islamic University Islamabad. 2. International Preachers Course from Al-Azhar University Cairo, Egypt.
1.House Job in Medicine and Surgery at CMCH Larkana. 2.Imam & Khateeb Jamia mosque Siddiq-e-Akbar Dodaiy Road Larkana since last 20 years. 3.Imam and Khateeb of Eidain at Jinnah Bagh Larkana since last 20
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years. 4.Secretary General Jamia Islamia Ishait-ul Quran Wal-Hadith Dodaiy Road Larkana. 5.Principal Jamia Islamia Sayida Khadijatul Qubra (for girls) Larkana. 6.Columist in various newspaper & weekly & monthly magazines & periodicals. 7.Author of many Islamic Books. 8.Religious Speaker Orator and Islamic Poet. 9.Incharge of Haqani Chairity Hspital Dodaiy Road Larkana. 10.Patron & the visiting professor of "Under stand Quran Programme" at Larkana from Isra University Hyderabad. 11. Chairman Al-Mahmood Academy (Publication Bureo for Islamic Books). 12.Teacher of Islamic studies at Jamia Islamia Ishaiat-ul-Quran Wal Hadith Doaiy Road Larkana since last 20 years. 13.Visiting Professor of various Islamic Madrsas of Sindh.
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Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: PPP-P Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-2823778 Mobile Phone: 0320-4265000 Province: Punjab Address: 38. Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area Islamabad.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs Standing Committee on Planning and Development Standing Committee on Population Welfare Standing Committee on Religious Affairs
Te n u r e : March 2006 to March 2012
Achievements: Masters in Economics Advocate Supreme Court
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Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: JUI-F Gender: Male Home Phone: 081-2826422, 082-2412853, 082-2412785 Mobile Phone: 0333-5233887 Province: Balochistan Address: i. J-107, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. ii. 93-A, Chaman Housing Scheme, Airport Road, Quetta.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production Standing Committee on Narcotics Control Standing Committee on Religious Affairs
Te n u r e : March 2009 to March 2015
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Muhammad Zahid Khan
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: ANP Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-5472730, 0945-883866 Mobile Phone: 0300-5223387 Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Address: i. F-410, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. ii. Village Wadigram Lower Dir, Distt. Lower Dir.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Health Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Standing Committee on Communications Standing Committee on Water and Power Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications
Te n u r e : March 2009 to March 2015
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Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: MQM Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-9202697, 021-2627307 Mobile Phone: 0300-2548581 Province: Sindh Address: i. F-409, Parliament Lodges Islamabad. ii. Flat No.6, Paracha Mansion, Burns Road, Karachi.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Standing Committee on Housing and Works Standing Committee on Railways
Te n u r e : March 2006 to March 2012
Achievements: * Ph.D. Faculty of Usul-AlDin, Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. * M.A. in Dawat-i-Islam with thesis, Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. * Shahadat-ul-Alamia, (M.A. Islamic Studies - Arabic), Ashrafia University Lahore, Pakistan. * Ex. Professor Al Azhar University, Cairo Egypt from 1983 to 1998. * Visiting Professor University of Karachi, Since Jan 01, 2004. * Special Scholorship by President of Pakistan from 1982-1983. * Scholorship From Al-Azhar University Egypt 1978-1982. * Nishan-e-Ilm-o-Danish Karachi University.
xviii (August 2009- November 2011) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: JUI-F Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-9222434, 084-4210209, 081-2822233 Office Phone: 051-9202881 Mobile Phone: 0300-5247488, 0300-5083277 Province: Balochistan Address: i. 211-G, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. ii. Jamia Islamia Shah Waliulla, Kalat. Balochistan. iii. Jamia Masjid Postal Colony Quetta.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Science and Technology Standing Committee on Housing and Works Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis Standing Committee on Water and Power Standing Committee on Religious Affairs
Te n u r e : March 2009 to March 2015 Leader of the Opposition
Achievements: M.A. Islamiyat
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Muhammad Ali Durrani
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: PML Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-9201279, 042-9230082 Mobile Phone: 0333-5196662, 0300-8453883 Fax: 051-9202895 Email: [email protected] Province: Punjab Address: 1. 307-A, Parliament Lodges Islamabad. 2. H.186-A, New Muslim Town, Lahore.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Postal Services Functional Committee on Government Assurances Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Functional Committee on Problems of Less Developed Areas
Te n u r e : March 2006 to March 2012
Achievements: a. B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering b. President Wise Education Society. c. Founder of Education for All (EFA) d. Languages: English, Urdu, Punjabi, Seraiki and Pashto.
a. Member of Senate of Pakistan. b. Secretary General Millat Party and National Alliance. President Wise Education Society and Women Welfare Society. Founder of the Institute of Afghan Affairs 1985. Launched a campaigns for Kashmir case; For free employment 1997; for S.K.M. Trust Hospital; for collective marriage ceremony; for true freedom-2000; for relief on foreign debt-2001. c. Leading role in establishment of IJI-1988, Millat Party, National Alliance and Grand National Alliance
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Afia Zia
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: JIP Gender: Female Home Phone: 051-2290819, 051-9207477, 0922-518237 Mobile Phone: 0333-9188604 Province: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Address: i. F-305, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. ii. H.No.153-KCB, Defence Colony Kohat.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting Standing Committee on Women Development
Te n u r e : March 2006 to March 2012
Achievements: 1. Nazim Distt Pesh. Halqa-e-Khawateen Jumaat-e-Islami 2002- 2005 2. Naib Nazim NWFP Halqa-e-Khawateen Jumaat-e-Islami 2006-till date
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Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: PML-N Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-2891515, 2891414 Mobile Phone: 0333-5451515 Fax: 051-2891616 Province: Punjab Address: H.No.36, St-39, G-7/4, Islamabad.
Committee(s): Standing Committee on Environment Standing Committee on Communications Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions
Te n u r e : March 2009 to March 2015
Achievements: * Born in November 1935. * Graduated from, Government College, Lahore in 1956. * Master Degree in Political Science from Punjab University. * LL.B from Punjab Law College 1958. * Practised Law from 1958 to 1981 and from 1987 to-date as Advocate Supreme Court. * Elected President Rawalpindi Bar Association 1977-78. Elected Vice President High Court Bar 1981 * Placed on the Panel of Experts for Pakistan Law Commission ** Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Religious Affairs 1981-85. ** Served Ambassador of Pakistan to Egypt 1985-86. * Political Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan with the status of a Federal Minister 1986-87. * Represented Pakistan in the United Nations General Assembly in the 45th Session in 1990-91. * Elected Member of Pakistan Senate in 1991 for a term of six years. * Elected Chairman, Standing Committee on Law and Religious Affairs of the Senate 1991-94. * Appointed Member Board of Trustees, Islamic International University, Islamabad in
xxii (August 2009- November 2011) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
1992-97. * Elected Secretary General, Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islam (World Muslim Congress) in 1992. The oldest International Organization of Muslims, established in 1926 which is a Class-I Consultative Status Observer with the UN and its allied bodies and Observer Status with the O.I.C. * Elected Leader of the Opposition, Senate of Pakistan from May 1994-1996. * Elected Leader of the House, Senate of Pakistan in 1997-99. ** Appointed Federal Minister for Religious Affairs in July 1997- October 99. * Re-elected Secretary General, Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islami in 1997-2002. * Elected Chairman, Pakistan Muslim League (N) 2000-todate. * Again elected Secretary General, Motamar Al-Alam Al-Islami in December 2002 for another five years. * Re-elected Secretary General of Motamar 2007-2012. * Elected Member of the Senate 2009-2015 term. * Elected Leader of the (Six Parties) Independent Opposition Group 2009. * Visited the following countries to attend International Conferences: (1)United Kingdom,(2)United States of America,(3)Kuwait,(4)Japan,(5)Indonesia,(6)Egypt,(7)Libya,(8)Moro cco,(9)Tunisia,(10)Maldives,(11)Nigeria,(12)Switzerland,(13)France, (14)Austria,(15)Malaysia,(16)Bangladesh,(17)Thailand,(18)Korea,(1 9) Ivory Coast,(20)UAE,(21)Oman,(22)Iran,(23)Azerbaijan,(24)Uzbekistan,( 25)Kazakhstan,(26)Turkmenistan,(27)Tajikistan,(28)China,(29)Turk ey,(30)Jordan,(31)Lebanon,(32)Guinea,(33)Chad,(34)Benin,(35)Sud an,(36)Canada,(37)Sri Lanka and (38)India.
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Prof. Sajid Mir
Position: Senator Party Affiliation: Markazi Jamiat Ahle-Hadith / PML(N) Gender: Male Home Phone: 051-9222131, 052-3551888, 3252300 Mobile Phone: 0300-4013400, 0300-8416696 Fax: 052-3252300 Email: [email protected] Province: Punjab Address: i. J-106 Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. ii. 31/190 Mianapura, Sialkot.
Committee(s): Functional Committee on Government Assurances Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges Standing Committee on Religious Affairs
Te n u r e : March 2009 to March 2015
Achievements: M.A. (English) M.A. (Islamic Studies) Fazil Dars-e-Nizami Additional B.A. (Eco. Urdu, Psychology)
1. President, Markazi Jamiat Ahle-Hadith, Pakistan. 2. Author/Writer (Books, Articles).
xxiv (August 2009- November 2011) SECRETARIES TO THE COMMITTEE REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Syed WaqarY usuf
Designation/Post: Deputy Secretary Gender: Male Home Phone: 9252032 Mobile Phone: 0333-5655777 Office Phone: 9103155 Address: H.No.E-6/3, St.No.11, G-7/2, Islamabad.
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Muhammad Hassan Khan
Designation/Post: Joint Secretary Gender: Male Home Phone: 9206992 2827761 Office Phone: 9207044 Address: H.No.26-E, St.No.72, G-6/4, Islamabad.
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Ghulam Murtaza
Designation/Post: Joint Secretary Gender: Male Home Phone: 9258863 Office Phone: 9213722 Mobile Phone: 03335137037 Address: F.No.19/11, Cat-IV, I-9/4, Islamabad.
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FROM THE DESK OF CHAIRMAN STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFARIS
As the Chairman, Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs I am pleased to present a report of the Committee for the period from August 2009 to November 2011. The Committee in its meeting reviewed Hajj policies framed by the Government during the year 2009, 2010 and 2011, examined in-depth the system in vogue for collection and disbursement of Zakat, performance of Islamic Ideology Council and multiple issues relevant to Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Committee after an in-depth analysis of the issues formulated recommendations to bring improvements in the Hajj policies to enable the Hujjaj to perform Hajj with maximum ease and to make the Hajj process smooth.
I highly appreciate the efforts by M/s S. Waqar Yusuf, Secretary Committee for arranging and coordinating meetings in a befitting and flawless manner and for preparation and compilation of this report.
Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qureshi Chairman
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Senate standing Committee on Religious Affairs during the period from August 2009 to November 2011 held twenty-tthree meetings. During these meetings the Committee took various issues as assigned to it under Rule 140 (2) of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in the Senate 1988.
The Senate standing Committee on Religious Affairs during the period from August 2009 to November 2011 held twenty-two meetings. During these meetings the Committee took various issues as assigned to it under Rule 140 (2) of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in the Senate 1988.
The Committee in its meetings deliberated and formulated recommendations chiefly on following issues:-
i) Hajj Policies for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. ii) Mismanagement and irregularities in the execution of Hajj policies and other allied matters. iii) Resolution of disputed matters between Ministry of Minorities Affairs and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). iv) Distribution of Zakat and Ushr among Mustahkeen. v) Performance of Council of Islamic Ideology.
The Committee while deliberating Hajj policies focused on issues pertaining to hiring of buildings for Hujjaj in Saudi Arabia at convenient locations at affordable rents, registration of Tour operators, restoration of Hajj quotas for the Senators, reduction in PIA fares and various measures aimed at mitigating the difficulties confronting by the Hujjaj prior to their departure from Pakistan and their stay in Saudi Arabia during performance of Hajj. The Committee formulated recommendations to ease the process and procedures for performance of Hajj.
The Committee took cognizance of mismanagement/irregularities committed in the buildings hired at Makkah and Madina, Saudi Arabia for intending Hujjaj for Hajj-2010.As a consequence of which , the Hujjaj had to undergo enormous difficulties during Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The Committee deliberated intensively on the report of Hiring Review Committee in its meeting held on September 23, 2010 and recommended inter alia Constitution of a
01 (August 2009- November 2011) REPORT OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Judicial Commission to probe into the matter, removal of Director General (Hajj) and recovery from him the amount paid on account of hiring of the sub-standard buildings.
Against above perspective the Committee in its meeting held on May 26, 2011 reviewed arrangements made by the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Hajj 2011. In order to bring improvements in the system the Committee recommended visit of Hajj Advisory Committee to Saudi Arabia, reduction in obligatory stay for Hujjaj from 40 days to 30 days, introduction of customer's satisfactory card system and to facilitate private HGO's for finalizing air fare for pilgrims for Hajj-2011
The Committee in its various meetings reviewed in detail the system in vogue for collection and disbursement of Zakat among the Mustahkeen. The Committee after an in- depth examination inter alia recommended appointment of members of the Federal/ Provincial Zakat Councils should be fully conversant with the system of Zakat, representation of Parliamentarians in Federal Zakat Council, timely release of installments, arrangements for permanent rehabilitation of Mustahkeen, increase of share in Zakat fund for Mustahkeen of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, incorporation of necessary amendments in the Zakat Ordinance to make in tune with the existing circumstances and provision of necessary staff from FATA at agency level and strengthening of infrastructure to ensure transparent disbursement of Zakat fund to Mustahkeen.
The Committee in its meeting held on March 16, 2011 took a briefing on the working and performance of Council of Islamic Ideology. The Committee after threadbare examination of organizational structure of the Council and preparation of various reports by it since its inception recommended among other things presentation of reports prepared by the Council after 1996 in the National Assembly and the Senate for discussion, presentation of reports to the President and Prime Minister, appointment by the Chairman of the Council from amongst Parliamentarians and nomination of highly qualified experts in Islamic Laws as members of the Council.
The Committee in its meeting held on 22nd July, 2011 took up the longstanding issues regarding sighting of moon for celebrating Holy month of Ramzan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul- Azha. The objective of the convening meeting on the issue was to develop of National consensus for observing religious events/ceremonies/rituals on the same day. The Committee constituted a sub-committee headed by the honorable Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro to hold discussions with the Ulema of the country and try to evolve a consensus for observing Ramzan and Eid on the same day across the country. The Committee also recommended that moon sighting should be announced at least three hours after sunset and Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Centre and Provinces should give equal representation to FATA.
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT, USHR AND MINORITIES AFFAIRS) HELD ON AUGUST 07, 2009
A meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs (Religious Affairs, Zakat, Ushr and Minorities Affairs) was held on 7th August 2009 at 10.00 a.m in Committee Room No.4, Parliament House, Islamabad.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Discussion on Hajj Policy 2009-2010 including residential arrangements for Hujjaj at Saudi Arabia. ii. Discussion on the matter regarding irregularities committed in connection with allotment of Hajj Quota to Tour Operators by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. iii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on August 7, 2009
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3. The following members attended the meeting:-
1. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan 2. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani 3. Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri 4. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada 5. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada. At the outset the Chairman of the Committee Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi welcomed the participants. The Chairman in his opening remarks emphasized the need of fair arrangements for Hajj. However, Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan pointed out that the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs is absent. All the other members of the Committee endorsed the views of Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan and also show their displeasure on the absence of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs. Members of the Committee unanimously decided to cancel the meeting of the Committee as a mark of protest and further decided that the next meeting of the Committee may be held on 12 August 2009.
5. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to and from the Chair.
Muhammad Hassan Khan Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qureshi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT, USHR AND MINORITIES AFFAIRS) HELD ON AUGUST 12, 2009
A meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs (Religious Affairs, Zakat, Ushr and Minorities Affairs) was held on 12th August 2009 at 3.00 p.m in Committee Room No.1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairman ship of Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Discussion on Hajj Policy 2009-2010 including residential arrangements for Hujjaj at Saudi Arabia. ii. Discussion on the matter regarding irregularities committed in connection with allotment of Hajj Quota to Tour Operators by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. iii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on August 12, 2009
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:-
1.Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani 2.Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri 3.Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada
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4.Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan 5.Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq 6.Senator Mst. Afia Zia 7.Senator Prof. Sajid Mir
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada. At the outset, the Chairman of the Committee in his opening remarks emphasized the need of fair arrangements for Hajj.
5. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs gave a detailed briefing pertaining to the working of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and explained the Hajj Policy for the year 2009- 10 in detail. He also explained the arrangements made for the Hujjaj and residential arrangements at Saudi Arabia. He informed the Committee that for the first time a comprehensive and scientific policy has been introduced for the Hajj. He further informed that the court has also made a decision that the transparency should be maintained while allocating Hajj quota to the Tour Operators. He informed that in 2005 a Hajj tour operator's scheme was introduced in addition to official arrangements made by this Ministry for Hajj.
6. The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs also briefed the Committee about the Hajj policy and the arrangements being made for Hujjaj at Sauidi Arabia. He also informed the Committee that almost 80% residential arrangements have been made for the Hujjaj in Saudi Arabia so far. The Minister stated that they are trying their best to get nearest accommodation to the Haram Sharif. It was informed that the accommodations at Makkah @ SR 3200 and @ SR 400 at Madina Sharif are being hired. He informed that 159647 pilgrims have been proposed to perform Hajj this year, out of which 80,000 would perform Hajj under the Government's Scheme and the remaining 79,647 through HGO's scheme. Only those HGOs who have been registered from Saudi Hajj Ministry and have been given munazim number by Saudi Government are authorized to participate in Hajj this year. In addition the basic requirements for the Hajjis are to have a Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and NADRA computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).
7. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani requested the Minister for Religious Affairs to take up the matter with the Saudi Government to accept manual passports in addition to Machine Readable Passports (MRP) from persons intending to perform Hajj. He was of the view that the residents of Balochistan scattered in far flung areas do not have access to reach NADRA/Passport Offices for preparation of I.D. card and passport.
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8. The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs stated that the buildings/hotels nearest to Haram Sharif have been demolished by Saudi Government and now the Ministry is trying to hire a building for Hujjaj within the range of 2-3.50 KM for which a hiring Committee comprising Director General, (Hajj) Jeddah, Director (Hajj) Jeddah, Deputy Director, (Hajj) a representative from Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia and Assistant Account Officer (Jeddah) has been constituted. This Committee is supervised by the Federal Minister, Minister of State, Parliamentary Secretary and Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs. In addition he informed that for the first time they have suggested for a Hiring/Review Committee comprising three MNAs and two Senators from the Parliament for the nomination in Review Committee by the Chairman of the respective Committee. He requested the honorable Chairman of the Committee to give two names of Senators so that they could be nominated and the Hiring Committee could review the arrangements for hiring of buildings and other arrangements as early as possible.
9. The discussion was made on the fare of PIA to be charged from Pakistan to Jeddah and back from Hajjis. The Committee was informed that difference in fare during Hajj season is excess than normal days due to return of empty flights at the time of lifting the Hajjis from Pakistan and vice versa on return of Hajjis from Saudi Arabia.
10. It was further informed that the Ministry has also hired other airlines than PIA airlines like Saudi Airlines, Emirates, and Aero Asia etc.
11. The committee was informed that the Cabinet has unanimously decided to abolish all quotas previously given to President, Prime Minister, Chairman Senate, Speaker National Assembly, Governors and Parliamentarians.
HAJJ GROUP ORGANIZERS SCHEME
12. The Committee was informed that as per policy of the Saudi Government steps should be taken for transferring Hajj operations to private sector. The Hajj group scheme was initiated for the first time in 2005. However, keeping in view the past experiences the Ministry is now more transparent in working and scientifically oriented. The Ministry has, established a new policy under which 79, 647persons will perform Hajj under the HGOs scheme. Each HGOs group has been allotted 50-300 pilgrims per HGO, keeping in view their performance during the last year. Under this policy they have categorized the HGOs from A to E. Every HGO falling under the above category has to deposit cash guarantee with the Ministry under which they fall. The 80% cash guarantee will be released after return of Hajjis from Saudi Arabia and the rest of 20% will be released after four months. It was further
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informed that during the Hajj 2009 no quota shall be allotted to HGOs against whom complaints of serious nature have been received either from Saudi Hajj Ministry, monitory teams at Makkah/Madina or by the Hujjajs.
13. As regards the pilgrim welfare fund, the Committee was informed that this is used for the welfare of Hajis. Presently the Ministry is working on construction of buildings/Haji Camps for pilgrims at Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan and Sialkot.
14. Three representatives from HGOs, Islamabad, NWFP/FATA and Punjab also briefed the Committee about the arrangements made by the HGOs in the country about the pilgrims. They showed satisfaction about the merit policy adopted regarding the allocation of quota for the HGOs and policy announced by the Ministry for Hajj 2009. The Minister also informed that they are not issuing/allocating any quota on Firqa or any caste basis.
15. The Committee made following recommendations: i) The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Religious Affairs may approach the Government of Saudi Arabia not to demolish the surrounding nearest buildings around the Haram Sharif as due to distance the pilgrims are facing problem day by day. ii) The Saudi Government may be requested to make a comprehensive policy for introducing the underground system from the far-flung buildings to Haram Sharif. This will reduce hazards of the traffic and will facilitate Hajjis while going to and back from their far-flung buildings. iii) It was further recommended that no restriction should be imposed on registration of new Tour Operators. iv) Senator Zahid Khan recommended that province-wise quota of pilgrims may be maintained for future. v) The Committee further recommended that if possible the HGOs system established may be stopped in future and all Hajjis may be undertaken by the Government under their own scheme. vi) The Committee further recommends that the Tour Operators may be given extension for their registration upto 20th August 2009. vii) It was observed that the PIA fares remain on the high side during Hajj flights as compared to normal commercial flights. The
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Committee, therefore, decided that the Ministry may coordinate with PIA and invite MD PIA in the next meeting to brief the Committee about the fare charges of PIA. viii) It was also recommended that the Ministry may submit a summary to the competent authority for restoration of Hajj quota for Senators. ix) The Committee recommends that the cash guarantee required to be submitted by the HGOs may be reduced. x) The Committee recommended that Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah (Chairman) & Senator Prof Sajid Mir be included as members in Hiring Committee from the Senate side. xi) The review Committee may undertake visit to Saudi Arabia as early as possible to inspect the arrangements/buildings already hired/to be hired for Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry may make arrangements of the visit on priority basis. xii) Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani recommended that the Moalmeen may visit Pakistan to restore the old policy regarding selection of Hajis themselves. He further recommended that the Ministry may make arrangements for the Hajj coordination of the Government of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, China and India and may hold joint meetings to formulate welfare policies for the welfare of Hajjis of their countries. They may also share their experiences with each other.
16. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to and from the Chair.
Muhammad Hassan Khan Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qureshi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON MINORITIES AFFAIRS(RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT, USHR AND MINORITIES AFFAIRS) HELD ON 3RD OCTOBER, 2009 IN ISLAMABAD
A meeting of the Sub-Committee of Standing Committee on Minorities Affairs (Religious Affairs, Zakat, Ushr and Minorities Affairs) was held under the Convener ship of Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani on 3rd October, 2009 in the Parliament House, Islamabad. 2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:- i. To settle the disputed matters between the Ministry of Minorities Affairs and Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). ii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Sub-Committee attended the meeting. 1) Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri 2) Senator Dr.Abdul Khaliq Pirzada
4. After recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Abdul Khaliq Pirzada, Convener of the Sub-Committee welcomed all the participants of the meeting. Before starting the normal proceedings of the Committee, Senator Abdul Khaliq Pirzada pointed out that a Hindu temple situated in Rawalpindi has been sold out illegally by a woman (caretaker of the temple), however due to dispute on this sale; the Board has sealed the temple. He asked the Ministry/ Board to issue the orders for opening of the Temple. Chairman ETPB informed that due to differences in the Hindu community there are certain problems in this case. He assured the Committee that Temple can be opened under the custody of the Government only for October 17 for Dewali festival, however it can create law and order situation. Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani, Convener of the Sub-Committee advised that the issue may be resolved at the earliest and Committee may be informed in writing and in the meanwhile arrangements for Dewali festival may be made at another temple.
5. Referring to the Agenda items the Convener of the Sub-Committee advised the Secretary Ministry of Minorities Affairs to brief the Committee on the matters disputed
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between the Ministry and the Board. Secretary informed the Committee that he has recently taken over the charge of the Ministry; therefore he may be given some time to understand the issues comprehensively and to give an opportunity to the Ministry and Board to settle the issues amicably.
6. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri asked the Secretary to inform the Sub- Committee of the present position of the disputed issues. However, the Chairman ETPB informed the Committee that Budget of the Board has not yet been approved due to which some projects are suffering severely. Besides, Board needs Guards for the Security of Temples and to safe guard the property. Due to non-approval of the budget by the Ministry, Board is facing problems.
7. Mr. Munir Ahmed Chaudhary, Joint Secretary informed the Sub-Committee that the Board had requested the Ministry to purchase vehicles for the use of Officers of the Board and Ministry has not asked for any vehicle for the use of the Ministry. However, Syed Asif Hashmi, Chairman Board informed that Board is not in need of big vehicles and Board has only requested for big vehicles on the directive of the Ministry and in spite of the approval Board has not purchased the vehicles so for and same is the case of purchase of Rest House at Islamabad as the proposal of purchasing of Rest House for the visiting delegates and officers of the ETPB at the cost of worth Rs.170 million was made on the direction of the Ministry but Board has no intention to purchase such Rest House.
8. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri inquired about the number of employees to be recruited and also recommended that Ministry and Board should not be scared of giving pension to the security personnel and therefore they should make recruitment at their own instead of taking security guards from private Security Agencies. The Chairman replied that Board has requested for the recruitment of 625 employees. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani observed that the language used against the Chairman ETPB in the working papers by the Ex-Secretary of Ministry of Minorities Affairs is non parliamentary and next time this type of language should not be used and directed that derogatory language used in the working papers may not be considered as part of the official record. He also appreciated the Board for taking good care of Shrines and Temples.
9. The Committee recommended that the issue of recruitment of Security Guards and other staff should be settled amicably and the practice of hiring of Security Guards from Security Agencies should be discontinued and Security personnel may be recruited on permanent basis. The Convener of the Sub- committee also advised the Chairman ETPB to provide the complete details of property of the Board including houses, plazas, agricultural, barren land and
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leased property etc. across the country, within two months. He further advised that the copy of the rules and regulations of the Board may be provided also in Urdu version.
10. The meeting/visit ended with a vote of thanks to and from the Chair
Ghulam Murtaza Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani Secretary Committee Convener
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON ZAKAT & USHR (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT AND USHR) HELD ON 10TH AND 11 TH NOV, 2009 AT KARACHI
Meetings of the Senate Standing Committee on Zakat and Ushr (Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr) were held under the Chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah on 10th and 11th November, 2009 at Karachi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:
10th November, 2009 (i) Action taken by the Government of Sindh on the distribution of Rs.1 billion collected on account of Ushr and lying in various banks since last 15 years (with reference to the recommendations of the Committee made in its meeting held in February, 2009). (ii) Any other item with the permission of Chair.
11th November, 2009 (i) Details of the appointment of Chairmen of the district Zakat & Ushr Committees and discussion on distribution of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of Sindh. (ii) Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. Following Members of the Committee attended the meeting:
(i) Senator Dr.Khalid MehmoodSoomro (ii) Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani (iii) Senator Prof. Sajid Mir
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10th November, 2009
4. After recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro, the Chairman welcomed the participants and informed that during the last meeting of the Committee it was brought to the knowledge of the Committee that an amount of Rs.1 billon of Ushr had been lying in various banks of the province since last 15 years, which had not been distributed amongst the deserving lot. He advised the Secretary, Sindh Zakat and Ushr to brief on the subject.
5. Mr.Muhammad Younas Dagha, Secretary Zakat and Ushr, Government of Sindh welcomed the members of the Committee and informed that the implementation of Zakat and Ushr collection was made through an Ordinance in 1980. There were clear cut directions for its collection while there was no procedure mentioned for the distribution of Ushr, therefore the amount is lying undistributed so far. He requested the Committee to give the guidance for its distribution. He, however, informed that all the District Zakat and Ushr Committees in the province are functioning efficiently.
6. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee advised the provincial Secretary Zakat and Ushr to brief about the difficulties being faced in collection and distribution of Ushr and implementation of the Ordinance. The Secretary informed that Revenue Department collects Ushr at district level however due to vague guidance; problems are being faced in its distribution and the revenue department does not give full detail.
7. Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro inquired about the procedure and composition of District Zakat and Ushr Committees. He further inquired whether there is political influence in the composition of the committees. The Provincial Secretary, Zakat and Ushr, Government of Sindh informed that Provincial Zakat Council constitutes District Committees. The Provincial Government has no role in the composition of the Committees.
8. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee pointed out that since the problem of distribution of Ushr is being faced in all the provinces, therefore the Federal Secretary Zakat and Ushr may explain the position. However, Chairman Provincial Zakat Council informed the Committee that Ushr is being collected at local level and it can be distributed only at local level. He also requested the Committee that Federal Government may be requested to give clear cut instructions regarding the distribution of Ushr as presently there is no provision or rules for the distribution of the amount collected
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in the head of Ushr. He informed that according to information provided by the Revenue Department presently an amount of Rs.40 crore is lying in various banks, since 2000.
9. Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro asked about the amount distributed on account of Ushr since 1994. The Provincial Secretary Zakat and Ushr informed that at the moment he had no record of this amount; he will however later on provide all the details thereof. Chairman Provincial Zakat Council informed that previously a serving Judge of the High Court had to be nominated as Chairman of the Council, therefore the meetings of the Council were not held regularly due his judicial engagements, however now a retired High Court Judge has been appointed as Chairman, Provincial Zakat Council therefore regular meetings are being held and a detailed discussion is being carried out on all the issues. He informed the Committee that Provincial Zakat Council has made various teams for the eradication of corruption and bringing in transparency in the procedure of distribution of Zakat.
10. Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro inquired whether there are complaints of corruption in the system of distribution of Ushr and Zakat. Mr.Khalid Lateef, Chairman Karachi City Zakat Council informed that there is no corruption in the system. Chairman Standing Committee directed the Secretary, Zakat and Ushr, Government of Sindh and Chairman Provincial Zakat Council to give the detail of amount distributed during the last two years. Provincial Secretary Zakat and Ushr assured that as soon as the information is collected it will be provided to the Committee. He also informed that in pursuance of decision of the Governor Sindh, made in 2000, no amount of Ushr has been collected in the province. Senator Dr.Khalid Mahmood Soomro inquired about the position of other provinces in this regard. Mr.Khalid Idrees, Federal Secretary for Zakat and Ushr informed that it is fact that procedure for collection of Ushr has been mentioned in the Ordinance 1980. However, there are no clear-cut directions for the distribution of the Ushr therefore a decision in this regard is required. He informed that all the provinces except NWFP stopped collection of Ushr on different dates. Senator Dr.Khalid Soomro and Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah inquired that under which law / authority the Governor has asked to stop the collection of Ushr. The Secretary, Provincial Government assured that all the details in this regard would be furnished very soon.
11. Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro also inquired about the procedure of the nomination of members of the Provincial Zakat Council. The Chairman Provincial Zakat Council informed that there are eleven (11) members in the Provincial Zakat Council, five (05) official, three (03) religious scholars and two (02) women. All of them are nominated by the Governor Sindh in consultation with the Provincial Government. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani pointed out that amount of Ushr is not being collected at provincial level. It is still being collected on individual level by the Patwarees, therefore the
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government should look into it. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani also advised that as the amount of Ushr may be distributed where from it is collected. Chairman Provincial Zakat Council asked for the assistance of the Committee for establishing offices of District Zakat Committees at District level. He requested that the concerned DCOs may be advised to provide space for the offices of the committees to facilitate the common people. The Federal Secretary informed the Committee that all the provinces are practically collecting less amount of Ushr against their assessments. He also gave the detail of amount assessed/collected by all the provinces. The committee showed its dissatisfaction over the very meager collection of the Ushr.
11th November, 2009
12. The meeting started with recitation of the Holy Quran by Senator Dr.Khalid Mahmood Soomro. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee welcomed the participants of the Committee and advised the Provincial Secretary for briefing.
13. Mr.Mohammad Younus Dagha, Secretary Provincial Government informed that Provincial Zakat Council consists of 11 members including its Chairman while there are 23 Districts of Sindh and 117 Tehsils. In district committees the total members is 12 while number of members at Tehsil level is 9. He informed that the Zakat is being collected under an Ordinance promulgated in 1980 for improvement of the poor lot of the country. The Zakat as per Islamic injunctions is deducted by the banks on 1st Ramazan annually. He informed that nomination of Provincial Zakat Council is made for a period of three years and the criteria for a member is that he should bear an upright character, fully conversant with the Zakat system and above all should have no political affiliation. He informed that Federal Zakat Council gives amount of Zakat to the provinces on the basis of population which is being distributed on District and Tehsil level after the fulfillment of all required procedure. The amount of Zakat is received in two installments, in July and January respectively. He informed that amount of Zakat is being distributed on the following heads: i) Guzara Allowance Rs.500 per month. ii) Education stipend Rs.75 to 874 per month iii) Deeni Madaris Rs.150 to Rs.750 per month iv) Health Care (Provincial) v) Social Welfare/Rehabilitation vi) Marriage Assistance One time grant up to Rs.10,000 vii) Eid Grants Rs.500/-
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14. Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro inquired about the detail of institutions to which Central Zakat Council/ Provincial Zakat Councils give Zakat. He also recommended that amount of Zakat may be given to the Deeni Madaris attached with Wafaq-ul-Madaris. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee advised for introduction of an up-to-date system for the audit of Zakat fund to stop the misuse of funds. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani recommended that reasonable increase may be made in marriage allowance. However, Federal Secretary Zakat and Ushr informed that there is a need to define whether Zakat can be given in shape of dowry. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir also recommended that reasonable increase may also be made in the Guzara Allowance which is presently given @ Rs.500 per month. Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro endorsed the views of Prof. Sajid Mir and suggested that the marriage allowance may be increased from Rs.10,000/- to 40,000 or 30,000. He also recommended that the un-spent amount in the head of technical education may be spent for other purposes so that the amount may not lapse and refunded back to the Federal Zakat Council. However, Provincial Secretary, Zakat & Usher informed that the Provincial Zakat Council has no authority to transfer the amount from one head to any other head. All the members of the Committee were of the view that Federal Zakat Council should release amount of Zakat immediately. The Chairman Provincial Zakat Council informed that there is no mention about compensation to Sayyeds and non-Muslims in the present Ordinance. We should also solve the problems of poor people of these communities. However, Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi informed that Sayyeds and Non-Muslims can be adjusted through Bait-ul-Mal. Senator Dr.Khalid Mahmood Soomro suggested that Provincial Zakat Councils/District Zakat Committees should maintain separate wards at hospitals so that affluent people of the country may be further convinced to give Zakat. He also informed the Committee that if the Provincial Zakat Council or District Committees spend the entire amount in construction of wards how they can help other Mustehkeens. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani inquired about the institutions to whom Federal Zakat Council directly gives Zakat. He recommended that these institutions may be given funds through concerned provinces. However, Federal Secretary Zakat & Ushr replied that most of the share of Zakat is distributed through the provinces; however, there are about 98 institutions at national level to which Zakat money is given directly by the Federal Zakat Council. He, however, informed that the concerned Provincial Zakat Council also provides funds to these institutions out of Zakat money.
15. After detailed discussion, the committee made the following recommendations: (i) Members of the Council should be fully conversant with the system of Zakat. (ii) Necessary steps may be taken for the proper supervision/looking after the whole system of the Zakat and Ushr distribution. (iii) All the DCOs may be provided furnished offices at district level for the District Zakat and Ushr for the facilitation of the common
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people. (iv) The Provincial Government will provide all the correspondence made by the Governor and the Provincial Government regarding stopping of the collection of Ushr in the Province of Sindh. (v) There should be representation of Parliamentarians in the Federal Zakat Council. (vi) Federal Zakat Council should reserve the amount of Zakat in various heads in consultation of concerned provinces. (vii) The Provinces may also be given authority to transfer amount from the head (where the amount is not being spent in time) to other necessary heads where the amount is required. (viii) The Federal Zakat Council should release installment of Zakat in time for proper distribution. (ix) The poor non-Muslims and Sayyeds may be compensated through Bait-ul-Mal. 16. The Committee unanimously decided that Dr.Khalid Mahmood Soomro who belongs to the province of Sindh will prepare a comprehensive report after meetings with Provincial Zakat Council and all the District Zakat Councils of the Province of Sindh to remove drawbacks in the system of Zakat and Ushr. The Provincial Government, Provincial Zakat Council and all concerned departments will extend full cooperation to him and will also provide all the relevant record as and when required by him.
17. The meeting/visit ended with a vote of thanks to and from the Chair
Ghulam Murtaza Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qureshi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON ZAKAT & USHR (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT AND USHR) HELD ON 6TH JANUARY, 2010 AT ABBOTTABAD
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Zakat and Ushr (Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr) was held under the Chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah on 6th January, 2010 at Frontier House, Abbottabad. 2. The agenda before the Committee was as under: (i) Detailed discussion on: a. Distribution of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of NWFP and FATA. b. The future plan of action in the Province of NWFP, regarding the distribution of Zakat and Ushr, in the light of deliberations made in the meeting of the Committee held last year. c. The status and procedure of appointment of District Chairman, Zakat & Ushr in the Province of NWFP and FATA. (ii) Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting: (i) Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro (ii) Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani (iii) Senator Mohammad Zahid Khan (iv) Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada (v) Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri (vi) Senator Mst. Afia Zia
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Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs , Zakat, Ushr and Minority Affairs, presiding over a meeting of the Committee in Abbottabad on January 06, 2010
4. After recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro, the Chairman welcomed the Members of the Committee, Provincial Minister for Zakat and Ushr and other participants of the meeting. He informed that due to security situation, the meeting has been convened in Abbottabad instead in Peshawar. He requested the Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushr to brief the Committee.
5. Haji Zarshaid Khan, Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushr welcomed and thanked the Members of the Standing Committee for holding the meeting in spite of their highly busy schedule. He informed that the Province of NWFP is a resourceful Province, but due to deteriorating law and order situation, the Province is facing huge problems. He highlighted that the importance of Zakat & Ushr department as Zakat disbursement is an important pillar of Islam. He pointed out that internal displacement of people has increased manifold as a result of on-going military operation in the province. Consequently, poverty is increasing in the Province therefore Government and Standing Committee should give special preference to the people of NWFP province.
6. After introductory remarks by the Provincial Minister Zakat & Ushr, Mr. Abdus Samad Khan, Provincial Secretary Zakat & Ushr gave briefing on the organizational structure of the Zakat Department of the Province. He informed that there is one Provincial Zakat Committee, having seven (07) Members, twenty four (24) District Zakat Committees and 3896 Local Zakat Committees are functioning in the Province. He further informed that due to illness of Chairman Provincial Zakat Committee, he is not attending his office regularly since last two years. He informed that Rs.35,24,75,000 were received in financial year 2009 and almost all the amount has been distributed through Zakat Committees in the following heads:
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(i) Educational Stipends. (ii) Stipends for Students of Deeni Madaris. (iii) Health Care. (iv) Marriage Assistance to unmarried women. (v) Educational Stipends (Technical). (vi) Guzara allowance. (vii) One time Eid Grant.
7. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro endorsed the view point of Provincial Minister and recommended that due to emergent special circumstances of the Province, the share of Zakat of the Province may be increased. He, however, observed that the meeting of the Committee should have been held at Peshawar. Senator Mohammad Zahid Khan informed the Committee that about 53% people in the Province are living below the poverty line and no institution including schools, Madaris, hospitals are safe today, therefore, the share of Province of NWFP may be increased. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada also endorsed the views and stated that the Committee should play its role in this regard. He, however, urged for the improvement of organizational structure of the Zakat Committees, in the Province and for bringing transparency in Zakat disbursement system. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee also endorsed the views of the worthy Senators. Senator Mst. Afia Zia inquired about the procedure of distribution of Zakat in different Heads. The Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushr briefed that there are District and Tehsil Committees which ascertain the Mustahkeen and Local Chairman distributes the amount through cheques, and Audit Department monitors the whole process. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri suggested that the amount of Zakat may not be disbursed amongst non-Mustahkeen. There should be a proper procedure of Zakat distribution.
8. After detailed discussion on the system of Zakat in the Province, the issue of collection of Ushr also came under discussion. Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushr informed that the amount of Ushr is being collected at District level and the Provincial Zakat Department has requested the Revenue Department for transfer of the amount in their Head, however, no final decision has been taken so far. The representative of Provincial Revenue Department informed that since 1994 to 2007, the amount of Rs.25 million has been collected in 16 districts of the Province. However, due to non formulation of any system for the distribution of Ushr, the amount is lying with Banks. However, Federal Secretary of Zakat & Ushr informed that according to the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance, the amount of Ushr can be distributed at Local level. He also informed that President of Pakistan gives approval of the names of the non-official members of the Central Zakat Council. Total
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number of members of the Central Zakat Council is 16 (8 official and 8 un-official) and Central Zakat Council gives the approval of the distribution of Zakat amongst all the Provinces and the Ministry as such has no role in this regard.
9. Some District Chairmen of Zakat Councils also gave their recommendations/ suggestions for improving Zakat disbursement system. They suggested that District Zakat Committees should be empowered and necessary amendments be made in the Zakat & Ushr Ordinance for de-centralization of Zakat disbursement. They also requested that amount of Dowry Fund, Guzara Allowance and Eid Allowance may be enhanced. They also complained that some banks are not cooperating in the disbursement of Zakat. Some Members also pointed out on the non-cooperation of banks in Zakat disbursement. Federal Secretary for Zakat & Ushr advised that a formal written complaint, to this effect may be sent to the Ministry for action.
10. The Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushr also gave the following suggestions: i) Federal and Provincial Minister for Zakat & Ushr may be included in the Central Zakat Council and all Provincial Zakat Councils respectively. ii) Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers should recommend the names of members of the Central Zakat Council and Provincial Zakat Council respectively instead by the President of Pakistan. iii) Arrangements may be made for permanent re-habilitation of Mushtahkeen from Zakat fund. iv) Zakat Fund may also be allocated for social welfare institutions. v) Special package from Zakat fund may be announced for the IDPs and persons handicapped by the terrorist attacks.
11. After discussion on Zakat system in the Province of NWFP, Sang-e-mar Jan Khan, Chairman FATA Zakat Council gave the briefing on Zakat disbursement. He informed that FATA is the most backward and most neglected area of the country. Furthermore, law and order situation in the area is also very bleak as FATA is directly militancy hit area. He also informed that during the Financial Year 2009-10, the amount of Rs.17.589 million was received for all seven (07) Agencies and six (06) FRs of the FATA. However, due to non- provision of staff and proper offices, the full amount of Zakat could not been distributed so far, therefore FATA Zakat Council has requested for the creation of 125 posts. However, so far, only 12 posts have been sanctioned, resultantly FATA Council is facing problems in Zakat distribution. He, therefore, requested that at least 58 posts in the 1st Phase may be approved for smooth functioning of Zakat Department in FATA.
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12. Senator Mohammad Zahid Khan inquired the Financial Advisor, Finance Division as
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON ZAKAT & USHR (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT AND USHR HELD ON FEBRUARY 1-2, 2010
A Meeting/visit of the Senate Standing Committee on Zakat and Ushr (Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr) was held under the Chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah on 1st and 2nd February, 2010 at Lahore. 2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:
1st February, 2010
(i) Detailed discussion on
a. Distribution of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of Punjab.
b. The future plan of action in the Province of Punjab, regarding the distribution of Zakat and Ushr.
c. The status and procedure of appointment of District Chairman, Zakat & Ushr in the Province of Punjab.
(ii) Any other item with the permission of Chair.
02nd February, 2010
(i) Visit to Sheikh Zaid Hospital, Lahore 3. Following Members of the Committee attended the meeting:
1. Dr.Khalid Mehmood Soomro 2. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani 3. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada, 4. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri 5. Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani 6. Senator Mst. Afia Zia 7. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir
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1st February, 2010
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr.Khalid Mahmood Soomro. After formal introduction, Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee initiated the proceedings of the meeting. Before starting the proceedings on the agenda item, Mr.Khalid Idrees, Federal Secretary for Zakat and Ushr gave the progress on the recommendations of the Standing Committee made in its meeting held on 06th January, 2010 at Abbottabad. He informed the Committee that the Ministry is giving due consideration to all the recommendations of the Standing Committee. After that Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee advised Provincial Secretary for Zakat and Ushr to give briefing on the distribution of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of Punjab.
5. Provincial Secretary informed the Committee that the amount of Zakat received from Central Zakat Council is distributed by Provincial Zakat Council headed by a retired or serving High Court Judge nominated by Governor in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court. The funds are distributed to District Zakat Councils on population basis, which is according to Zakat and Ushr Ordinance 1980. He further informed the Committee that during 2007-08, an amount of Rs.2042 million was received in various heads, out of which Rs.1860 million was disbursed and an unspent amount of Rs.946 million was returned to Central Zakat Council. He indicated that the disbursement of Zakat during last financial year was not made in Punjab, as Provincial Government had proposed some amendments in the Zakat/Ushr Ordinance, which were based on mismanagement, corruption and malpractices etc. by the Chairman and Members of the Local Zakat Committees/District Zakat Committees. However, since no decision has been taken by the Federal Government, therefore the Provincial Government has started the process of the formulation of Local Zakat Committees for the disbursement of Zakat, which will be completed by the end of March, 2010 and disbursement of Zakat will be started thereafter.
6. After Secretary Provincial Zakat and Ushr's revelation that Zakat has not been distributed in the province since last 20 months, all the Members of the Committee showed their deep concern on it. Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri inquired about the responsiblity for non-disbursement of Zakat to the poor people of Punjab. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah, Chairman Standing Committee stated that the proposed amendments of the provincial government were for all the country, however all other provinces are distributing the amount of Zakat, therefore the Zakat Department of Punjab should also disburse the amount of Zakat to the poor people. Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani also showed his dissatisfaction on the non-disbursement of Zakat during the last 20 months. He also inquired about the composition of the Provincial Zakat Council. Senator Dr. Khalid Soomro advised for conducting an inquiry for non-disbursement of Zakat since last 20 months. In reply, Secretary Provincial Zakat and Ushr informed that the tenure of the Chairman of
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Provincial Zakat Council expired in December, 2009 and the process for the appointment of Chairman is under progress and the summary in this regard has already been moved to the Governor for approval. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir advised that copy of all correspondence made regarding composition of the councils be provided to the Committee. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada recommended that only those members of the Provincial Zakat Council may be nominated who are fully conversant with Islamic teachings. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah inquired about the amount lying in the head of Ushr in the Province of Punjab. The Provincial Secretary Zakat and Ushr informed that only rupees 40 lakhs are lying in the District Attock, but all other districts of the Province are not collecting the amount of Ushr. Almost all the Committee Members questioned for not collecting the Ushr from the other districts, however, no proper justification was provided to the Committee in this regard.
7. After briefing by the Provincial Zakat and Ushr Department, Chairmen of District Zakat and Ushr Committees of Lahore, Sheikupura, Qasoor, and District Jhung also gave proposals regarding increase in the marriage/Guzara allowance. They suggested that by closing some heads reasonable increase can be made in the Marriage/Guzara Allowance. They also requested that the collection of Ushr may be started immediately and the amount collected in this head may be transferred in the account of concerned District Zakat Committees. 2nd February, 2010
8. The Committee visited the Sheikh Zaid Hospital. The Chief Executive of the Hospital welcomed the members of the committee. He gave detailed briefing since the establishment of the hospital since 1986. He informed that the hospital is constituted on 56 acres of land and the present bed capacity of hospital is 713, which will be extended up to 1050 in June, 2010. He also informed about the various training Institutes, Wards and Administrative structure of the hospital. He informed that 57 percent income is generated from hospital's own sources and only 43 percent is received by the Federal Government. Giving details on the treatment of patients through Zakat fund he informed that it is very complicated process due to which patients face many problems therefore this process should be simplified. He informed that only Rs.7 million is annually given to the hospital which should be increased up to Rs. 61 million, as the number of patients from Zakat fund are increasing day by day.
9. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir asked about the procedure for making cards of the patients taking treatment through Zakat fund. Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri asked about Safaid Poosh Fund. Senator Abdul Khaliq Pirzada recommended that government of Abu Dubai may be approached for the allocation of suitable funds for the hospital as the hospital was constructed with the help of Rulers of Abu Dubai. Senator Afia Zia asked about the patients
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whose treatment takes long time. The Deen replied that the hospital gives only medical treatment and Patients purchase medicines themselves in such cases. He further informed that the Prime Minister has once given Rs.1 crore only for Safaid Posh Fund, as regards the procedure for making cards for Zakat patients; he informed that after adopting all the formalities the cards are given to them. Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah asked about the checking of the fake medicines. The Chief Executive informed that the heads of various departments check the medicines before use in the hospital.
10. He further informed the Committee that annually 175000 patients visit in Emergency, about 2,10,000 take treatment from OPD, 60,000 are admitted in various Wards and about 15000 patients of various cases are operated.
11. After briefing / discussion, the committee visited the Dialysis Ward and met with patients taking treatment. All the Patients showed their satisfaction on the treatment given to them by the hospital.
12. After detailed deliberations, the Committee made following recommendations: (1) The Committee members showed great concern on the absence of Provincial Minister of Zakat and Ushr. (2) The Provincial Government should constitute Provincial Zakat Council and Local Zakat Councils immediately and the amount of Zakat may be disbursed to the Mustehkeen by 31st March, 2010 positively. (3) The reasons for non-collection of Ushr in the Province of Punjab may be communicated to the Standing Committee. (4) The Committee may also be informed that under which law and since when the collection of Ushr has been stopped (5) The Committee lauded the performance and quality of treatment given to the patients in the Sheikh Zaid Hospital. (6) The present amount of Zakat being given to Sheikh Zaid Hospital is meager amount, which may be increased from Rs. 50 to Rs. 60 million annually for improving the quality of treatment in the hospital for the deserving patients. (7) Prime Minister of Pakistan may also be requested for the reasonable increase in the Safaid Poosh Fund and hospital authorities should also approach to the donors for the donation in the Safaid Poosh Fund.
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13. The meeting/visit ended with a vote of thanks to and from the Chair
Ghulam Murtaza Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qureshi Secretary Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON ZAKAT & USHR (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT AND USHR HELD On 8-9, MARCH 2010 AT QUETTA
A meeting/visit of the Senate Standing Committee on Zakat and Ushr (Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr) was held, under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi on 8th and 9th March, 2010, at Quetta.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:
8th March, 2010
i. Detailed discussion on a. Distribution of Zakat and Ushr in the Province of Baluchistan. b. The future plan of action in the Province of Baluchistan, regarding the distribution of Zakat and Ushr. c. The status and procedure of appointment of District Chairman, Zakat & Ushr in the Province of Baluchistan. ii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
9th March, 2010
i. Visit to Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting. 1. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani 2. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri
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3. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir 4. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan,
8th March, 2010
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Prof. Sajid Mir. Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Standing Committee welcomed the participants of the meeting. Throwing light on the purpose of holding the meeting at Quetta, he stated the Committee is here to have cognizance of the problems of being faced by the Government of Balochistan in receipt and disbursement of Zakat and the Committee will look into all issues relating to Zakat disbursement to resolve them immediately. He hoped that the Provincial Government would bring forth all the problems to the notice of the Committee. He then asked provincial secretary for Zakat and Ushr to brief the Committee on the agenda.
5. Mr. Asmatullah Kakar, Secretary Zakat and Ushr Department, Government of Baluchistan expressed his gratitude to the Committee for convening the meeting at Quetta. Initiating his briefing, he informed that Zakat is being disbursed under the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance, 1980. Under this Ordinance Zakat fund is allocated to the provinces on the basis of population, as such the share of Balochistan is very meager due to its thin population. Furthermore, the population in the province is very scattered and people normally reside in small pockets in very far flung areas, which cause impediments in disbursement of Zakat. He further informed that under the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance the Local Zakat Committees are to be constituted for 10,000 persons, since the population of Balochistan is very small and scattered; therefore, it is not possible to constitute Local Zakat Committees in most of the areas of the province. Besides, most of the population of the province lives below the poverty line and needs urgent attention of the Government. Therefore, keeping in view, the poverty and backwardness of the residents of Balochistan, Guzara Allowance, Educational Stipend and Dowry Allowance (Jaheez Allowance) may be enhanced substantially.
6. The Secretary further informed the Committee that fourteen (14) Vocational Training Institutes are also being funded from the Zakat fund in the Province. The trainees, enrolled in the said institutes, get training stipends @ 1000/- per month and on completion of the course each trainee is awarded 5000 rupees to start his/her own business. He however, clarified that the training institutes have not been established in the most districts of the province due to shortage of funds. He also drew attention of the Committee towards the issue of poor prisoners who are unable to pay their fines, levied by the Courts and are lingering in prisons for indefinitely due to non-payment of fine.
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7. Responding to queries raised by Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan, the Secretary informed that rules for disbursement of Zakat can only be amended, under Zakat and Usher Ordinance by the Federal Government and patients of Hepatitis A and B are catered for by Prime Minister's Programme. The Chairman Committee and Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani pointed out that Mustehkeen are facing problems in drawing Guzara Allowance from Banks due to non-cooperation of the Banks. Zakat Chairmen of the various districts endorsed the viewpoint of worthy Senators and informed the Committee that most of the banks are reluctant to open the Zakat Mustehkeen account as Banks require the Mustehkeen to have minimum deposit of 5000 rupees for opening the accounts, which is not possible for the poor people. Furthermore, in most of the districts Mustehkeen have to travel hundreds of kilometers to get their cheques cashed.
8. Mr.Khalid Idrees, Federal Secretary Zakat and Ushr informed that under Zakat Ordinance, all the banks are bound to entertain Mustehkeen without any charges and no complaint on the non-cooperation of Banks has been received in the Ministry so far. The Chairman Committee suggested that Zakat may be disbursed both through banks and Post Offices and the Ministry of Finance may also be advised for directing the Banks for maximum cooperation.
9. Briefing on the Ushr collection the Provincial Secretary informed that Ushr is collected by Revenue Department but so far it has not been transferred to Zakat Department in contravention of rules. The Zakat Department, has time and again requested the Revenue Deptt to transfer the collected amount but so far no action has been taken by them. He solicited Committee's cooperation in this regard. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani suggested that the issue may be brought to the notice of Chief Minister, Governor and Chief Secretary Balochistan for its immediate resolution. The provincial Minister, Saleem Khoso thanked the Committee for holding meeting at Quetta. He gave some useful suggestions for the improvement of Zakat disbursement. The Chairmen, District Zakat Councils, Quetta, Killa Saifullah and Ketchy highlighted the problems being faced by them. They also put forth some suggestions to bring about improvement in the Zakat disbursement system.
9TH MARCH, 2010
10. The Committee visited Sandeman hospital. The Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital informed the Committee that Central Zakat Council donates to the hospital Rs 9 million annually and numbers of daily OPD patients are about 1500 and about 14000 patients are annually treated through Zakat fund. The medicine is given to the Zakat patients
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on their beds. He, however, informed that Rs.5000 is being charged as user charges from Zakat patient also. But the user fund is deposited in the account of Federal Government.
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT & USHR) HELD ON May 11, 2010
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs (Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr) was held on 11th May, 2010 at 03:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Detailed discussion on
a. The alleged corruption reported in the media regarding Hajj arrangements in the country as well as in Saudi Arabia. b. The problems and difficulties being faced by Hujjaj at Pakistan as well as in Saudi Arabia.
ii. Appraisal of the complaints received against Hajj tour operators and action taken by the Ministry thereupon.
Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on May11, 2010
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3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting.
i. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan ii. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir iii. Senator Abdur Rashid iv. Senator Mst. Afia Zia v. Senator Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi (on special invitation) vi. Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Minister for Religious Affairs
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Abdur Rashid. The Chairman welcomed the participants of the Committee and thanked them for giving him an opportunity to chair this meeting in the absence of the Chairman of the Committee.
5. The Minister for Religious Affairs thanked the Members of the Committee for giving him opportunity for briefing to the members. He said that he shall always welcome the suggestions of the members if any regarding improvement of Hajj arrangements. The Minister briefed the Committee about the steps taken by his Ministry in order to provide better arrangements for Hujjaj:-
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
6. The Ministry after consultation with PIA and Saudi Airlines reduced the Hajj airfares for sector Karachi/Quetta to Jeddah from Rs. 70,000/- to Rs. 61,000/- per Hajji during 2009 and from Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot from Rs. 73,000/- in 2008 to approximately Rs. 61000/- in 2009. At this stage Senator Dr. Ismail Buledi pointed out that the prices of oil has reduced internationally at the time of departure of Hajjis but the airfares were not reduced.
7. The Minister replied that the said rate was negotiated before Hajj season when the price of oil was 140 dollar per barrel in the international market. Also the airfare was calculated on the basis of two things (i) 40% fuel expenses (ii) 60% non-fuel expenses which covered meal, crew layover, insurance, crew salary, royalty, aeronautical handling, maintenance, over-head traffic reservation etc.
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ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS
8. The Minister informed the Committee that the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia acquired 60% of its accommodations in good condition within 200 meters in Makkah Makrama. Only a few buildings were reported as average and DG (Hajj) Jeddah has now been directed not to hire these buildings for Hajj – 2010. In Madina Munawara 50% of the accommodations were hired from the Housing Syndicates (Majmooa) which were within 1800 meters.
9. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir drew attention towards an article written in the press about poor arrangements made by the Ministry during Hajj – 2009. The Senator however, proposed that a complaint box may be installed in each building for the Pakistani Hujjaj which may be cheeked daily by the representative of our Hajj Mission. He also said that it has come to his notice that some most dangerous buildings which were not liveable condition were hired by Pakistani Mission in Jeddah. Senators Dr. Ismail Buledi and Zahid Khan also endorsed the aforesaid views of Senator Prf. Sajid Mir.
10. Senator Zahid Khan further said that if two (02) Members of the Standing Committee were allowed to visit Saudi Arabia during the Hajj – 2009 then these types of problems could not have arisen because they could have physically checked the whole process of hiring the buildings themselves. He also suggested that the Ministry may pay some extra amount to the owners of the buildings for maintaining requisite sanitation standards and that extra amount may be contributed by the Hujjaj housed in those buildings.
11. Senator Ms. Afia Zia pointed out that the number of bathrooms of the hired buildings in Saudi Arabia were insufficient as compared with the number of Hujjaj in them. This matter should have been sorted out during the Hajj - 2010.
12. The Chairman of the Committee suggested that a representative of our Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia may be deputed in each building to coordinate with the owners of the buildings and ensure the cleanliness of the buildings including the bathrooms.
13. Senator Abdur Rashid said that during the last Hajj – 2009 he also performed Hajj and visited both the buildings hired for Pakistani and Afghani Hujjaj. He observed that the buildings hired for Hujjaj from Afghanistan were in better condition and they were also providing meal for their 40 days stay in Saudi Arabia by paying only S. R 3400/-, whereas the Pakistani Hujjaj paid SR 3200/- for the same building without meal. He said in his opinion not
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good arrangements were not made for Pakistani Hujjaj by the Pakistan Hajj Directorate Saudi Arabia. Replying to the observation the Minister clarified that Ministry cannot hire any buildings without the issuance of “Tasreh” i.e. No Objection Certificate from the Saudi Government. In Makkah and Madina Saudi Government did not issue NOC to any sub- standard building which did not has sufficient/adequate basic facilities. The Minister for Religious further informed that the rent of the stay of Hajji in any building is paid on the basis of per Haji and not on the basis of whole building.
14. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the Committee that the Ministry hired accommodations in Saudi Arabia at the rate of SR 2200 to 3200. Saudi Government had allowed space of 3.5 Sq meters per Hajji fixed in buildings and Saudi authorities have also kept a check on this issue. During Hajj - 2010 the Ministry has hired accommodation in Mina very near to the “Jumrat”, situated between Kubri Abdul Aziz and Kubri Shah Khalid so during this year in Mina our Hajjis shall live comfortably. He informed the Committee that the complaints relating to the buildings were lodged either in person or on telephone. In every building two or three staff members are posted from Khudam-ul- Hujjaj. They addressed the small complaints on the spot and forward other complaints to their incharge. He further said that the Pakistan Mission has hired all the buildings in Saudi Arabia according to the prescribed rules and regulations of the Saudi Government. If any building is hired far from the Harm Sharif then the shuttle bus service is arranged by the Saudi government for the Hujjaj. The cleanliness of the building is the responsibility of the owner. However, the matter regarding cleanliness of bathrooms will be taken up with the Saudi Government before the Hajj – 2010.
HAJJ GROUP ORGANIZERS (HGOs) – TOUR OPERATORS
15. Senator Dr. Ismail Buledi pointed out that the Bank guarantee amounting to Rs. 50 lakh may be fixed according to the quota of Hajji's given to the tour operators. He said that the tour operator from Balochistan may be given their due share. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir said that he has received a number of complaints from the Hajjis relating to the HGOs that they have not made proper arrangements for Hajjis in Makkah and Madina and as such these should be sorted out by the Ministry. Responding to the observation/suggestion the Minister dilating on the issue informed that during Hajj – 2009 a quota of 84587 Hujjaj was allocated to 593 HGOs and this was the first time cash guarantee in place of Bank guarantee was introduced in order to protect the interests of Hujjaj for provision of air ticket, accommodation and compulsory Hajj dues. In case any HGO deviates from such arrangements his cash guarantee cannot be cashed unless he makes remedial measures. HGOs were categorized in A, B, C, D & E, based on experience/performance and financial capacity. During the Hajj - 2009 they have received 643 complaints against the HGOs. The Ministry has constituted a Complaint Disposal Cell (CDC) who is examining the
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complaints/observations received against HGOs in Saudi Arabia as well as in Pakistan. The complaints are being interrogated by the CDC and decision of blacklisting or forfeiture of
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a) A 50 bed main hospital and 9 dispensaries were established in each of the 9 sector at Makkah Mukarma. b) One main Hospital and 3 dispensaries were established in Madina Munawara. c) Medicines/equipments worth Rs. 17.6 million were also sent from Pakistan for use by Hujjaj. Facilitation desks were established for help and guidance of Pakistani pilgrims at Jeddah/Madina airport with their sector officers in Makkah and Madina. The medical arrangements for Pakistani Hujjaj were satisfactory. Only 159 deaths occurred during the whole Hajj operation. This number is low as compared to previous years due to better medical cover. Besides the dispensaries at Makkah, Madina and Hajj terminal Jeddah attended over 310210 outdoor patients.
TRANSPORT
20. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir asked what arrangements were made for transportation of Hujjaj who were housed far from Haram Sharif at Makkah Mukarma. Explaining the issue it was explained by the representative of the Ministry that the general transport syndicate Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible for provision of transport to the Hujjaj coming to Saudi Arabia for performance of Hajj from all over the world. They would provide air conditioned buses to the Pakistani Hajj pilgrims. The Hujjaj who were housed beyond 2000 meters from Haram Sharif at Makkah Mukaramah the Saudi Government would provide shuttle service to them. However, due to traffic jam in the Holy cities a week prior and a week after the Hajj operations the Hujjaj had to face difficulties in traveling from their places of residence to Haram Sharif and vice versa. This matter has been brought to the notice of transport syndicate for taking remedial steps during Hajj - 2010.
21. After detailed deliberations the Committee made following recommendations/observations:-
i) A Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee will be constituted to check and monitor all Hajj arrangements relating to Hajj – 2010. The Chairman of the Standing Committee will announce its composition in due course of time.
ii) Performance of Medical Mission comprising of army personnel was not found to be satisfactory, as such it was recommended by the Committee that the medical mission should be exclusively
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based on civilian personnel and if necessary Ministry of Religious Affairs may move a summary in this context to the Prime Minister
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT & USHR) HELD ON 19TH MAY, 2010
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs (Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr) was held on 19th May, 2010 at 03:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting.
i. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan ii. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq iii. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir iv. Senator Abdur Rashid v. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro vi. Senator Mst. Afia Zia vii. Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Minister for Religious Affairs, Ex-Officio Member
3. The agenda before the Committee was as under:- i. Briefing on a) Hajj Policy 2010. b) Performance, duties, functions and expenses of Hajj Directorate at Makkaha and Madina, Saudi Arabia.
ii. Discussion on the report regarding Hajj presented to Prime Minister by Mr. Umar Khan Ali Sherazi, Ambassador of Pakistan at Saudi Arabia.
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iii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi. The Chairman welcomed the participants of the Committee and invited the Ministry to brief the Committee on Hajj – 2010.
5. While briefing the Committee on item (i) of the agenda Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Minister for Religious Affairs informed that the Hajj Policy has been formulated on the recommendations and suggestions of the Ministries of Defence, Interior, Civil Aviation Authority, Banks, Hajj Tour Operators, NADRA, Air Lines and Directorate General of Immigration and Passport. He informed that Cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy in principle in its meeting held on 12th May, 2010. The Ministry could not announce the Poilcy in the media because of non-finalization of Hajj package, a most important part of the Hajj policy
Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on May 19, 2010
6. Cabinet while giving approval of the policy has desired that following actions may be taken by the Ministry of Religious Affairs immediately:-
i) The proposed Hajj, Umrah and Ziarat Bill, 2010 shall be got vetted by the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and presented before the Cabinet within one week. ii) The Ministry of Religious Affairs shall negotiate Hajj Fare with PIA immediately to enable early announcement of Hajj Policy 2010. iii) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall take up the allotment of additional quota of 10,000 Hujjaj with concerned authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the earliest.
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iv) The Minister for Religious Affairs and Minister for Foreign Affairs shall make decision regarding Chairman of the Hiring Committee, keeping in view the past practice in this regard.
7. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq inquired about proposed Bill of Hajj, Umrah and Ziarat. Responding to it, the Minister for Religious Affairs stated that Hajj Policy is not a part of the Bill. The Ministry is due to sign MoU with Syria, Iran and Iraq regarding visit of Pakistanis for Ziarat. The Cabinet needs to be apprised with the Hajj Policy and the Ziarat Bill. As such the Cabinet has advised that the Ministry may get the Ziarat Bill vetted by the Ministry of Law. The Minister further informed that a letter has been received from the Saudi Government informing that Umrah is not tourism but a Holy journey to Makkah and the Ministry of Religious Affairs has to take over this issue completely so that better arrangements could be made. He further said that at present the arrangements for Umrah are done by the travel agents and they come under the Ministry of Tourism as such Ministry of Religious Affairs have nothing to do with the Umrah process. Travel agents who are registered with the Ministry of Tourism arrange Umrah visas through Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan and issue tickets to the Zaireen. In case of any problem faced by Zaireen in Saudi Arabia the Hajj Directorate looks after them. The Saudi Government calls it Umrah Package, which covers stay, ticket and all related arrangements organized by tyravel agents. Actually the Saudi Government issues Umrah quota to 'Sherka' and Sherka have Sub-Agents in Pakistan whom these quota will be allocated. Due to these reasons the Ziarat Bill was placed in the Cabinet meeting.
AIRFARE
8. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that various meetings were held with PIA, however, Hajj fare could not be settled because PIA is demanding an increase of Rs. 15,000?- for each Haji as compared to the previous Hajj. They have requested the honourable Prime Minister for a meeting along with Secretary Defence, MD-PIA and Ministry of Religious Affairs for taking a decision on the issue. As soon as the issue of airfare is resolved they shall announce the Hajj policy in the media. The Committee suggested that it can assist the Ministry of Religious Affairs for resolving the airfare issue with PIA, if it so desired.
9. As regards the observation made in Para 7 (iii), the Ministry of Religious Affairs have requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take up the issue of early allotment of additional quota with the Saudi Government.
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10. As regards Para 7 (iv), the Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that they held meetings with the Minister for Foreign Affairs to resolve the issue regarding Chairmanship of the Hiring Committee and identify reasons for changing of Chairmanship of the said Committee. The Committee was informed that now the Ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia wants to chair the Hiring Committee. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq said that since the Ambassador was based in Riyadh and it is very difficult for him to visit Makkah and Madina frequently, therefore, the Hiring Committee may be headed by DG Hajj. Responding to a question by Senator Prof. Sajid Mir the Ministry said that the composition of Hiring Committee is as under:-
a) Directorate General Hajj – Chairman b) Joint Secretary (Hajj), Ministry of Religious Affairs - Member c) A representative from PWD/Architect or any person who have local knowledge of the area may be nominated as Member.
11. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir said that the Ministry should re-think the nomination of Joint Secretary (Hajj) because he has to travel so many times from Islamabad so Saudi Arabia for this purpose and a lot of public money is to be spent on the visits of JS (Hajj). Ministry informed that a review Hiring Committee would be nominated very soon consisting of the following members:-
i) Minister of State on Religious Affairs – Chairman ii) Chairman's of the Standing Committees of Senate and National Assembly – Members. iii) One each Member may be taken form the Standing Committees of the Senate and the National Assembly.
12. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq inquired as to what concrete steps the Ministry was taking to avoid corruption during the Hajj – 2010. The representative of the Ministry informed that the Ministry has identified following three specific areas on which if they control they shall be able to stop corruption during Hajj – 2010.
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i. Allocation of Hajj quota in Pakistan: This year the Ministry has categorized HGOs into three categories A, B & C depending upon their
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iii) A fully equipped Hajj Cell may be established which remains operational round the clock during the Hajj season.
iv) All the Hajji Camps be linked with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamabad through computer networking system.
20. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to and from the Chair.
Syed WaqarY usaf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qureshi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON SUBJECT MATTER ARISING OUT OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION REGARDING QUESTION NO. 12 IN THE SENATE SESSION HELD ON 4th JUNE, 2010
I, the Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr has the honour to present the Report of the Committee in the House. The meeting of the Committee was held on 8th June, 2010 in the light of Ruling given by the Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek in the Senate Session held on 3rd June, 2010.
2. According to the Ruling of the Chairman Senate, all the members were invited to participate in the meeting. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting.
1. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro 2. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sehrani 3. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan 4. Senator Muhammad Ali Durani 5. Senator Mst. Afia Zia 6. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq
3. In addition to the afore-listed members of the Committee the members of the Senate i.e. Senators Haji Muhammad Adeel, Mr. Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi, Maulana Gul Naseeb, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Mrs, Kalsoom Perveen, Mr. Ghulam Ali, Mr. Abbas Khan, Nawabzada Mir Haji Lashkari Raisani, Mir Muhammad Ali and Mir Muhabbat Khan Marri attended the meeting. The Secretary Religious Affairs, Agha Sarwar Raza Qazalbash and Additional Secretary, Defence, Mir Haider Ali were also present in the meeting.
4. The Committee expressed its serious resentment due to non-participation of Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Allama Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Ms. Shugfta Jamani and MD-PIA in the meeting. The Committee discussed the Hajj Policy 2010 in detail and presented proposals in this regard.
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5. Senators Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani, Haji Adeel, Muhammad Zahid Khan and Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Khan inquired as to why excess fare is being charged from the Hujjaj as compared to normal days fare charged from the passengers to Jaddah which is very less than the fare of Hajj. Also they desired to know about the procedure adopted for hiring of residential buildings and the policy adopted for the Private Hajj Tour Operators. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan proposed that civilian Khudam-ul-Hujjaj should be recruited in place of Army personnel.
6. The representative of the Ministry informed that the air fare has been increased by Rs. 6000/- as compared to the previous year. Other increases made are given as under:-
FARE FOR HAJ-2010
Karachi/Quetta Rs. 67000/- Other Stations Rs. 79000/-
HAJJ DUES
Items Karachi/Quetta Other Stations Air Ticket Rs. 67000/- Rs. 79000/- Terminal Tax Rs. 1650/- Rs. 1650/- Residence for Makkah Rs. 86800/- Rs. 8680/- Compulsory Charges for Hajj Rs. 41147/- Rs. 41147/- Service Charges Rs. 500/- Rs. 500/- Vaccination Charges Rs. 700/- Rs. 700/- Personal Exchange Quota Rs. 20703/- Rs. 20703/- Total Rs. 226000/- Rs. 238,000/-
7. Furthurmore the representative of the Ministry informed that a Hiring Committee has been constituted for hiring accommodation in Saudi Arabia during Hajj Season-2010 comprising following:-
i. Director General (Jaj), Jaddah Chairman
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ii. Joint Secretary (Jaj) Member iii. Any other person conversant with Makkah/Madina Member nominated MORA. iv. Director Haj, Jaddah Member v. Deputy Director (Haj) Madina Munawwarah Member vi. Representative of the Pakistan Member Ambassador in Saudi Arabia vii. Assistant Accounts Officer, Jaddah Convener
8. Hajj Tour Operators will be selected as per criteria given by the Government of Saudi Arabia. The important points are listed as under:-
i) All the companies operating for Hajj-2010 should have held Munazim Card Number.
ii) For the existing HGOs there shall be a onetime exemption for having a IATA membership which shall be mandatory for Hajj-2011.
iii) For new companies, the condition of IATA membership as well as holding of Munazim Card Number as in the past is mandatory.
9. Hajj Tour Operators have been categorized as below to ensure transparency and they shall get quota on the basis of their previous performance.
Cat Criteria No. of Quota Years Have lifted load of 2000 Hujjaj or more during last 06 6 years 300 A Hajj Operations. 5 years 270 No major or minor complaint is established for Hajj-2009 4 years 260 Have lifted load of 1500 Hujjaj or more during last 06 6 years 250 B Hajj Operations. 5 years 240 No major or minor complaint is established for Hajj-2009 4 years 230
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Have lifted load of 1000 Hujjaj or more during last 06 6 years 150 C Hajj Operations. 5 years 145 No major complaint is established for Hajj-2009 4 years 140 Have lifted load of 500 Hujjaj or more during last 06 Hajj 6 years 135 D Operations. 5 years 125 No major complaint is established for Hajj-2009 ¾ years 120 Have lifted load of 50 Hujjaj or more during last 06 Hajj 6 years 115 Operations. 5 years 110 E No major Complaint is established for Hajj-2009 4 years 105 ¾ years 120 New HGOs who qualify to operate and are IATA 50 member. New New HGOs who have held Munazim Card Number in the past.(The above two conditions are as per Saudi Taleemat)
10. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani suggested that the Ministry should study the Hajj arrangements of the neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh and India and prepare a comprehensive Hajj Policy in future. He further said that the Ministry could also take advice from the retired Director General (Hajj) for this purpose. He also objected on the increase in the Compulsory Hajj Dues for hajj-2010.
11. The representative of the Ministry responding to a question of Senate Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq informed that they have so far hired accommodation for 27000 Hujjaj and the remaining buildings would be hired on the advice of the Hiring Committee.
12. Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs presented a comparative statement of the Hajj dues of 2009 & 2010 which is annexed with the report. The members discussed the statement in detail and inquired as to why the rates of old Mina will be increased from Rs. 2178/- to Rs. 11722/- and Foreign Exchange quota will also be increased upto Saudi Riyal 900/- which is equivalent to Rs. 20703/-. The Committee suggested that Personal Exchange quota option may be given to the Hujjaj to enable them to take as much as money they want but not exceeding US$ 1000/- per Hajji. This amount may be given to the Hajjis on Government exchange rate.
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13. Senator Kalsoom Perveen who visited Saudi Arabia last year narrated her experience and informed the Committee that due to lack of planning the Hajj arrangements were very poor and as such they need improvement. Khudam-ul-Hujjaj were not found doing any work for Hujjaj. Most of the time they were found in their tents. Senator Muhammad Ismail Buledi suggested that Terminal Fee charges in the Hajj dues may be reduced as this will further reduce the Hajj dues.
14. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro apprised the Committee that the cost of Hajj for an Indian is half as compared to that for a Pakistani. He told lthe Committee that there is corruption in hiring of buildings for Hajis and it must end. Senator Nawabzada Mir Hajji Lashkari Raisani informed the Committee that a comparison of the Hajj arrangements with Malaysia, Turkey, India and Indonesia, shows that Pakistani Hajjis are not taken care of and in Saudi Arabia the sole reason for this are inappropriate arrangements. He opined that if PIA is running into losses then they must not compensate their losses from the Hajjis.
15. Senator Abbas Khan said that 300% increase in boarding charges in Madina is unfair and must be reduced which will result. This will reduce Hajj fares to a great extent. Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood proposed that Director General Hajj, Saudi Arabia who is also the head of Hiring Committee should be transferred immediately as his previous service record is not clean. The process of hiring of building in Saudi Arabia should start immediately after the Hajj season to get better buildings.
DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE
16. The Committee decided that increase in Hajj fares be revised as they are not unacceptable. The Government should charge Rs. 185,000/- as Hajj fare from Hajjis as charged in 2009 and the fare must be the same for all the cities of Pakistan.
Syed WaqarY usaf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qureshi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT & USHR) HELD ON 13TH JULY, 2010
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs (Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr) was held on 13th July, 2010 at 03:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Action taken on the report of this Committee presented to and adopted by the Senate on 11-06-2010 on Hajj Policy-2010 and recommendation of Sub-Committee made in its meeting held on 18th June 2010. ii. Briefing on:- a) Allocation of Hajj Quota to Hajj Group Organizers for Hajj-2010 and. b) Date of enlistment of each HGO by the Ministry and yearly quota allocated to each HGO so far. iii. Any other item with permission of the Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting.
1. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq 2. Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani 3. Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haderi 4. Senator Mst. Afia Zia 5. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada 6. Senator Muhammad Ali Durani 7. Senator Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi (on special invitation)
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Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on July 13, 2010
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada. The Committee condoled the said demise of Ex-Senator Qazi Abdul Latif. The Chairman requested Senator Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi to present the report of the Sub-Committee.
5. Senator Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi placed before the Committee following recommendations contained in the report of the Sub-Committee:
i. Ministry of Religious Affairs should take up the issue of payment of Rs. 1800/- by a Hajji to the Saudi Government in pursuance of Royal Decree for exempting Pakistani Hajjis from this payment. Ministry of Religious Affairs should involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and hold a Seminar/Conference in which Ambassadors of other Muslim countries posted in Islamabad may be invited to attend. ii. In future Ministry of Religious Affairs may invite manifesto's of all airlines before Hajj through advertisement to participate and quote Hajj fares with the aim to create atmosphere of competition and the airline who quotes the lowest rate and fulfills all other requirements may be given chance to operate Hajj flights. iii. The Committee stressed the need for bringing down the newly announced Hajj fares for this year and maintain last year's expenses as was decided by the Senate in its meeting held on 11-6-2010. iv. Secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs may also be included as a member of the Hiring Review Committee, so that he could check and monitor all the steps adopted for hiring
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accommodation for Hajjis in Makkah and Madina. v. Air service agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia may be reviewed immediately. vi. The Minister of State may also be involved while formulating Hajj policy. vii. During the next meeting of the Committee the Saudi Ambassador in Pakistan may also be invited through Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief the Committee about the Royal Decree of Rs. 1800/- charged from Hajjis. viii. Transparency should be observed while allocating Hajj quota to HGO's especially extra Hajj quota which will be received from Saudi Government at the last moment.
6. Senator Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi stated that besides the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs which were adopted by the Senate the Prime Minister had also given a statement on the floor of the Senate that the Government shall consider the Hajj cost again and try to reduce the Hajj fare - 2010. The Sub-Committee in its meeting held on 18-6-10 again recommended reducing the Hajj fare so as to bringing it to the last year's level. The Ministry of Religious Affairs could not bring down the Hajj fare – 2010 so far, he, therefore proposed that the Committee may move a motion on the breach of its privilege. The honorable Chairman of the Committee expressed his deep concern regarding inattention of the Ministry on this significant issue. The honorable Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani suggested that Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, ex-Minister Religious Affairs may guide the Committee on it. Responding to it the honorable Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq informed that there are two way to present Committee's point of view i.e. the Committee may write a letter to Prime Minister and protest or a privilege motion may be moved in the House on non implementation of the recommendations of the full House as well as the Standing Committee by the Ministry. Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Shereni said that if Government failed to curtail the Hajj fare then a privilege motion may be moved in the House. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the Committee that the Ministry shall take up the report of the House and recommendations of the Committee again in the Cabinet meeting on 14-7-2010 and hope that the Cabinet shall seriously discuss the recommendations. The Ministry will be in a position to brief the Committee after the Cabinet meeting.
7. The Secretary further informed the Committee that for this year the Hajj package is Rs. 238000/- per Hajji, which is fixed on the basis of fluctuating exchange rate of Saudi Rayal. The honorable Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Hadri said that Rs. 30000/- increase in Hajj package this year directly affects a Hajji. If Ministry of Religious Affairs seriously examines this issue the
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cost of Hajj package can be further reduced. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq said that Ministry of Religious Affairs should present the sentiments of the Committee in letter and spirit in the Cabinet meeting being held tomorrow and try their level best to convince the Cabinet for reducing the Hajj fare – 2010.Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada proposed that a member of Standing Committee on Religious Affairs may be nominated in the monitoring cell who shall visit Saudi Arabia and also look after all the Hajj arrangements made by the respective cell of the Ministry in Saudi Arabia.
8. Senator Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani informed that last year 6 – 8 Hajjis from India and Bangladesh were accommodated in a tent in Mina and the total expenditure on Hajj Package of India and Bangladesh was less than that of Pakistan's Hajj Package. Dilating on the issue t he Ministry informed that last year about 20 – 22 Hajjis from India and Bangladesh were accommodated in tent of a size wherein 15 – 16 Pakistani Hajjis were accommodated. Last year the rent of the tent was 3200 Riyals while this year the Saudi Government has increased it to 3600 Riyals per Hajji. Last year the rent in Madina was 400 Riyals whereas this year it would be 500 Riyals. The Government of Pakistan has made arrangements that all Pakistani Hajjis will stay in Old Mina and for this purpose it has paid 501 Riyals per Hajji extra. Resultantly the whole Hajj Package has increased. The Saudi Government has also increased the space in tents from 3.5 square meters to 4.00 square meters per Hajji. In this context Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq said that a Hajj Council in Saudi Arabia takes all decisions regarding Hajj Policy of Saudi Arabia and head of the Council is the heir to the throne. He communicates the decisions of the council to the Minister for Religious Affairs of each country.
9. The honorable Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada inquired as to why pilgrimage for Hajj by ship has been stopped and is there any proposal to start it again. Ministry informed that it was stopped due to the old age of the ships and at present there is no proposal to resume it again.
10. After intensive deliberations the Committee made the following recommendations
i. The Committee desired that the decision of the Cabinet meeting which is scheduled to be held on 14-7-2010 regarding curtailment of Hajj fare 2010 should be conveyed to the Committee during next meeting.
ii. Ministry of Religious Affairs should present to the Committee comparative statement showing details of the Hajj package of
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different Muslim countries i.e. Iran, Iraq, Turkey, China, Bangladesh, India and Afghanistan vis-à-vis Pakistan and the total cost of each Hajji
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS (RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT & USHR) HELD ON 27TH JULY, 2010
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs (Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr) was held on 27th July, 2010 at 02:30 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Mohammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Non-implementation of the recommendations of the Senate as well as the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs regarding curtailment of Hajj fare – 2010. ii. Briefing by the Ministry on the allocation of new Hajj quota to the Hajj Group Organizers for Hajj – 2010. iii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting.
1. Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani 2. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri 3. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir 4. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada 5. Senator Abdur Rashid
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Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on July 27 2010
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator. Abdur Rashid. The Chairman welcomed the participants of the meeting and briefed them about the issue regarding increase in Hajj fare referred to the Committee on 04-6-2010 by the House for examination and report. The first meeting on the subject issue was held on 08-6-2010 and it was unanimously decided by the Committee that the increase in Hajj fare may be withdrawn and fixed @ Rs.185000/- per Hajji for the year 2010. The report was presented to the House on 11-6-2010 and was adopted by the House unanimously.
5. The Minister for Religious Affairs had assured the House that he will take up the issue in the next cabinet meeting for consideration but the Ministry raised the issue in the Cabinet belatedly i.e. on 14-7-2010. Consequently, the Ministry of Religious Affairs would not implement the recommendation of the House/Committee.
6. Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs apprised the Committee that in the Cabinet meeting held on 14-7-2010 the issue regarding curtailment in Hajj fare – 2010 was discussed in which MD PIA informed that during the current year the air fare was fixed as Rs. 79000/- from North of the country and Rs..67000/- from South of the country against the last year's fare of Rs. 73000/- and Rs. 61000/- respectively. The increase was about 8.2 percent as compared to last year's fare. In case of reduction in Hajj air fare a sum of Rs. one billion was needed to allow subsidy @ of Rs. 6000/- per pilgrim. Minister for Finance had turned down the proposal. He stated that it had been reported by the Press that the air fare was reduced by Rs. 9000/- which was not correct as the reduction had already been made earlier by the Government. The Cabinet reiterated its earlier decision taken in its meeting held on 12-5- 2010 with the direction that decisions of the Cabinet be implemented in letter and spirit.
7. The Minister for Religious Affairs underlined the decision of the Council of Islamic
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Ideology that subsidy on Hajj being a duty mandatory for those who could afford is un Islamic.
8. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that on the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee the rent of residential buildings in Makkah was settled between 3400/- to 3600/- Riyals and distance between the rented buildings and Haram Sharif is 2000 meters. He said every Hajji would receive back about Rs. 21000/- equivalent to 900/- Saudi Riyals before his departure to Saudi Arabia. Similarly, the Government has fixed a rental ceiling of 450 Riyals per Hajji for Madina Munawara. He said that in old Minah the Ministry had hired accommodation for 700 Riyals per Hajji whereas India has hired these for 750 Riyal per Hajji this year.
9. The Minister for Religious Affairs apprised the Committee about the following comparative rates of buildings in Makkah and Madina in 2009.
COMPARATIVE RATES OF BUILDINGS IN MAKKAH – 2009
S.No. Country Rate per Person (SR) Distance (Meter)
1 India 3,500/- SR 4000 upto 600 Meters & SR 4,000/- 3500 upto 1400 Meters hired accommodation for 40,000 at a distance of 11 Km to 12 Km @ SR 2300/- 2 Afghanistan 3400 Flat rate upto 4000 Meters
3 Iraq 3800 Upto 4000 Meters
4 Iran 5000 Upto 2500 Meters
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COMPARATIVE RATES OF BUILDINGS IN MADINA – 2009
S.No. Country Cycle Rate in S.R Maximum Distance 1. Iran 5-8 days 1000 Total in Markazi with confirmed advance schedule 2. Malaysia 6 days 750 Max 800 meters. 50% in Markazia
3. Egypt 5 days 750 Max 600 meters total in Markazia 4. Algiers 4 days 700 Total in Markazia. 5. Indonesia 8 days 600 Max 1000 meters 30% in Markazia 6. India 8 days 500 Max 1500 meters 7. Bangladesh 8 days 350 Markazia. 8. Turkey 8 days 1100 Markazia
10. Senator Abdur Rashid informed that Afghanistan and Iran have provided food to their pilgrims within the above rates; therefore, he suggested that Pakistan Govt. should also give such facility to its pilgrims.
11. Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani said that Ministry of Religious Affairs should prepare a comparative chart of each expenditure incurred during Hajj including rates of building and other facilities provided by India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Indonesia, Bangladesh and other Muslim countries for their pilgrims and present the same to the Committee.
12. The Minister for Religious Affairs informed that total package of Hajj fare is between Rs. 2,26,000/- and Rs. 2,38,000/-. The Ministry had instructed the Hajj Directorate Makkah that buildings in Saudi Arabia may not be hired for more than 3400 Riyals. However, some buildings were hired less than this amount. Each Hajji will receive back the excess amount in Saudi Riyals. The minimum rent of the building amount will be 900 Saudi Riyals.
13. To a query by Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that the Ministry has hired accommodation for about 32000/- Hajjis and the remaining accommodation would be hired during the visit of the Hiring Review
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Committee. A summary for the approval of the official visit of the Hiring Review Committee had been forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
14. Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani suggested that the structure of Molameen which was in force prior to current procedure of Hajjis be restarted. He said that Molameen used to visit Pakistan before the start of Hajj season and they hired the Hajjis in Pakistan and were responsible for all their affairs in Saudi Arabia during Hajj. The present system he said seemed to be unsuccessful. He suggested that to convene a conference to discuss whether charging rent of Haram Sharif from Hajjis by the Saudi Government is according to Islamic commandments. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir informed the Committee that he is not in favour of holding conference on the issue of charging rent of Haram Sharif because it may affect the relationship of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
15. Senator Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri was of the view that Ministry of Religious Affairs should arrange proper arrangement for receiving the Hajjis at the airport on their arrival at Jeddah Airport. Responding to it the Minister for Religious Affairs informed that during the current year new Jeddah Airport will start functioning. As such the arrangement of Hajjis would be better as compared to the previous years. However, the Ministry will issue a directive to D.G (Hajj) Jeddah to take up the issue with the Saudi Government and arrange proper arrangements for transport etc.
16. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri expressed his apprehension regarding increase in the amount of Hajj-2010 package as it stood on high side. Responding to his apprehension the Minister for Religious Affairs explained that during the current year about 4500 buildings located near the Haram Sharif were demolished. Consequently, the rate of the accommodation in Makkah increased. Besides this the Saudi Government has increased the area of per Hajji from 3.5 Sq. meters to 4.00 Sq. meters. Therefore, if previously 100 Hajjis were accommodated in one building now only 88 Hajjis would be accommodated in one building.
17. On the request of Senator Abdul Khaliq Pirzada Chairman of the Affectees of Hajj Quota Committee were allowed by the Chairman of the Committee to brief about their grievances. Accordingly Dr. Zakir Hassan Ahmad, Chairman Action Committee for affectees
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of Hajj quota briefed the Committee and informed that they have not yet received quota from Ministry of Religious Affairs and requested for release of the same to them.
18. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued following directions in respect of 101 Tour Operators companies (HGOs):-
i) Issue enrolment number to the respective HGO's companies. ii) Send their particulars to Saudi Arabia for the issuance of Manazam Card.
19. Pursuant to the aforesaid directive of the Supreme Court the Ministry of Religious Affairs has written letter to Saudi Government. In response the Saudi Government has advised the Ministry to follow the IATA conditions No response has yet been received from the Saudi Government regarding Manazam Cards despite issuance of four (4) reminders. He further said that from this year the Saudi Government have issued two conditions for HGO's i.e. the Company should be IATA registered and should Hold Manazam Card number.
20. Senator Abdul Khaliq Pirzada inquired as to why the Ministry of Religious Affairs was not issuing visas to HGOs for Saudi Arabia and HGOs should arrange Manazam Card in Saudi Arabia themselves. Responding to it the Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that a Committee has been constituted in the Ministry to examine all the modalities for allocation of Hajj quota to new HGOs. As such it would be more appropriate if the issue is raised in that Committee.
21. The Minister for Religious Affairs informed that presently the Saudi Government has changed their rules. The rules do not allow enrolment of new companies since last three (3) years. Furthermore, he informed that the Ministry has written to the Saudi Government to relax the condition of Manazam Card in case of companies referred to by Supreme Court. The Ministry has not yet received any reply from Saudi Government.
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22. The Committee made following recommendations:
i) The issue of allocating Hajj quota to new HGOs may be settled in the Committee constituted for this purpose in the Ministry of Religious Affairs immediately.
ii) A report may be prepared by the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding payment of the amount to the Hajjis in Foreign Exchange before departure to Saudi Arabia and submit details to the Committee after Hajj – 2010.
iii) Distribution of additional quota of ten thousand Hajis should be transparent.
Syed WaqarY usuf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, ZAKAT & USHR HELD ON 23rd SEPTEMBER, 2010
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr was held on 23rd September, 2010 at 10:30 p.m. in Committee Room No. 7, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:- i. Discussion on the Report of Hiring Review Committee on the buildings hired at Makkha and Madina (Saudi Arabia) for Intending Hujjaj for Hajj – 2010. ii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:-
i. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq ii. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir iii. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan iv. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri v. Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Minister for Religious Affairs (Ex-officio member) Special Invitees i) Senator Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi ii) Mr. Bilal Yasin, MNA iii) Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, MNA
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Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on September 23, 2010
5. The Chairman briefed the Committee on the visit of the Hiring Review Committee to Saudi Arabia. The following Members of the said Committee visited Saudi Arabia and presented its report to the Committee. (I) Maulana Muhammad Qasim, MNA Leader (ii) Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Member (iii) Pirzada Syed Imran Ahmed Sahah, MNA Member (iv) Mr. Bilal Yasin, MNA Member (v) Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro Member
6. The Hiring Review Committee had also submitted its report to the following dignitaries:-
(i) Mr. Farooq H. Naek, Chairman Senate of Pakistan (ii) Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan (iii) Chaudhry Muhammad Iftikhar, Chief Justice of Pakistan (iv) Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister (v) Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Minister for Religious Affairs (vi) Agha Sarwar Raza Qazilbash, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs (vii) Mr. Umar Khan Ali Sher Zai, Ambassador for Pakistan in Saudi Arabia
7. The Chairman while giving details of the report informed that the Hiring Review Committee visited Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 27th to 29 th August and Madina Munawara from
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30th August to 1 st September, 2010. The Committee reviewed the Hajj arrangement and met with different people. They also visited Maktab and Moasasa.
Observations of the Hiring Review Committee
8. The Committee was informed that so far 87 buildings were hired for the Pakistani Hujjaj for next Hajj, to accommodate 29493 Hajjis. The Hajj Policy issued by the Cabinet & Ministry of Religious Affairs to the D.G (Hajj), Jeddah lays down following conditions for hiring of residential buildings for pilgrims:-
i) Buildings hired should not be more than 200 Hajjis. ii) A building should be within 2000 meters from Harm Sharif. iii) A building older than 8 years should not be hired. iv) All buildings should be clustered together.
9. The Review Committee observed that the aforelisted conditions were not followed in hiring of 59 buildings as these have the capacity to accommodate less than 200 Hajjis while some buildings have the capacity to accommodate less than 100 Hajjis. In addition to this the Review Committee also reported following irregularities:-
i) Four buildings were more than the 2000 meters from the Harm Sharif. ii) Minimum 15 rental buildings for pilgrims were outdated and were older than 8 years. iii) The buildings were not hired in one place/area or in clusters. iv) One of the buildings which was hired for 5000 Hajjis is under construction and apparently could not be completed before Hajj – 2010. v) Out of 87 buildings 79 buildings did not conform to the instructions of the Cabinet and Ministry of Religious Affairs. vi) As per previous practice 15% advance payment as first installment were paid but this year up to 30% to 50% advances were paid for hiring of buildings. vii) Members of the Review Committee were informed that quite a few buildings were hired at low rates but in papers high rent rates were mentioned which showed that hundreds of Riyals were paid as
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commission. viii) The Committee noted that the place where the buildings were hired at the rate of 3500 Riyals and 3600 Riyals per Hajji were on high side as accommodations closer to Harm Sharif were then available at low rates. ix) The Committee also noted that the buildings hired in Hindoia and Jarham, Makkah Mukkarma were three (03) Kilometers away from Harm Sharif where about 15000 Hajis would be accommodated. Also law and order situation in those areas was not satisfactory. x) One Pakistani namely Ahmed Faiz Muhammad Shafi had acted as a middle man for hiring of these buildings and he has taken hundreds of Riyals as commission. He was deported from Dubai and now he is living in Saudi Arabia illegally. A few days before he was arrested by the Saudi Police but on the intervention of D.G (Hajj) he was released. One of his brothers Ahmed Faiz was under custody of police in Riyadh. Ahmed Faiz used to prepare illegal Pakistani Identity Cards/Passports on payment of heavy amounts. xi) Ahmed Faiz has been appointed as Building Supervisor by the D.G (Hajj) but he refused to recognize him. Later, when evidences of corruption were produced before D.G (Hajj) he immediately issued his termination orders and a copy was handed over to the Committee. That person also used the official GMC vehicle of D.G (Hajj). Besides this, D.G (Hajj) had hired a Saudi national as Legal Advisor on 3000 Riyals per month and his only duty is to escort Ahmed Faiz. xii) An amount of 2.6 million Riyals were taken on account of commission for hiring of two buildings in Nilah and 50% of the total amount has already been paid by D.G (Hajj). xiii) The Committee also came to know that 500 to 1100 Riyals per Hajji in Makkah Mukarma and 50 to 100 Riyals per Hajji in Madina Munawara were taken as commission. xiv) 80,000 accommodations for Hajjis were settled in Madina Munawara. An advertisement was floated in the Press for hiring of accommodations in Madina Munawara. In response, about 2 groups applied before 31st May, the last date to apply but at midnight of 31st May, within two hours, 3 companies were allocated quota of 80000 Hajjis and remaining 19 companies were not invited .Of these 19 companies 3 companies i.e. Tawen Group, Saeed Makki Group, Al-Ansar Group were ready to provide accommodation in Madina Munawara at the rate of 430 Riyals per Hajji to accommodate 60% Hajjis in Markazia and 40% out of Markazia. On the other hand D.G (Hajj) had contracted at the rate of 500 Riyals per Hajji with the understanding that 60% Hajis will be
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accommodated in Markazia and 40% out of Markazia. xv) The Review Committee after detailed scrutiny observed that the average
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Balochistan would not get seats from Quetta and they were informed by the PIA that their seats for Jeddah will be available either from Lahore or Karachi. He said that it is very difficult for these Hajjis to go to Lahore or elsewhere if PIA allocates two or three flights, these Hajis can be easily accommodated, so the matter should be taken up seriously.
17. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs, informed that a total of 11088 Hujjaj have been booked for Hajj this year from Balochistan. Out of this 4623 Hajjis are under Government scheme while 6465 against private quota. 9670 Hajjis have already been booked on 30 Hajj flights by PIA on Boeing 777 aircraft. Only 1418 Hajis were left as they could not get seats from Quetta to Jeddah. The Ministry has requested PIA to accommodate these Hajis on 3 or 4 more flights of PIA aircraft Boeing 777 and are waiting for a reply from PIA in this regard. The Committee was further informed that D.G (Hajj) was posted in Makkah on 26-9-2009 and before this appointment he was working as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Water and Power. He is MBA (Finance). He remained posted as D.C Multan and Khanewal. A case of misappropriation of fund as D.C Multan was pending in NAB since 2001 and charges against the officer have not yet been proved. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq questioned his appointment on such a sensitive post of D.G (Hajj) when he was not proved as a clean officer.
18. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the Committee that an internal control system exists in the Ministry and it had issued policy guide-lines to D.G (Hajj) for hiring of accommodation in Makkah and Madina and according to policy the distance from Harm Sharif should not be more than 2000 meters but in some cases and due to acute shortage of buildings in the vicinity of Harm Sharif and due to continuous demolishing of buildings in Makkah Mukkarma the Ministry directed that subject to minor adjustments on distance issue the buildings.
19. Mr. Bilal Yasin, MNA, a special Invitee expressed his concern on the fact that not a single person from Government side is nominated in the Hiring Review Committee. It was known to him that D.G (Hajj) was required by NAB on showing a fake letter of GHQ for allotment of illegal land. On 28th May, 2009 the Establishment Division shortlisted eight (08) officers for appointment against the post of D.G (Hajj) and the present D.G (Hajj) was not in that list but at the last stage he was placed on 9th place and he was selected without any interview as D.G (Hajj). Twenty days have lapsed since the Committee gave its report and no action has yet been taken by the Government on its recommendations/findings. The Minister for Religious Affairs informed the Committee that he is not in favour of D.G (Hajj) and will submit summary to the Prime Minister for his removal from the post of D.G (Hajj) immediately.
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20. Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, MNA, a special invitee informed the Committee that he had written the report of the Review Committee on oath in Madina Munawara and it was based
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 20th DECEMBER, 2010
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 20th December, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. To consider the point of order raised in the House by the Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel during the sitting of the Senate on 27th July, 2010 on the issue of charging additional Rs. 1800/- by each Haji on account of royalty;
ii. Discussion on the distribution of new/fresh Hajj forms issued after the Hajj draw covering the following aspects; a) Total number of new Hajj application forms issued after the balloting of Hajj draw with names of person/representatives on whose requests the forms were issued; b) Total numbers of unsuccessful candidates and candidates on waiting list who were declared successful till the departure of the last flight and on whose request they were considered successful; c) Complete list of those persons whom Hajj special flight forms were issued and the names of the persons/representatives on whose requests these forms were issued; d) Total numbers of successful applicants to whom the new Hajj application forms/special Hajj flight forms were issued, but the Hajjis could not depart for Hajj due to various reasons.
iii. The Alleged reported mismanagement in five Maktabs at Mina, Saudi Arabia during Hajj 2010 and demonstration of Pakistan Hujjaj at Mins, Saudi Arabia.
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iv. Briefing regarding non arrangement of second visit of Hiring Review Committee under the Hajj Policy 2010 for inspection of remaining accommodations hired for Hujjaj at Saudi Arabia. v. Any other item with the permission of Chair
Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on December 20, 2010
3. The following members attended the meeting:-
1. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro 2. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan 3. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani 4. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada 5. Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani 6. Senator Mst. Afia Zia 7. Senator. Haji Muhammad Adeel (Mover)
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani. Chairman Committee expressed grave concern and displeasure on behalf of the Committee on the absence of Minister for Religious Affairs in the Committee meeting although the Minister had been informed repeatedly that his presence in the Committee meeting was vital. Despite this he did not attend the meeting. The honourable Chairman also held the view that the brief provided by the Ministry on the agenda items was also not comprehensive.
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AGENDA ITEM NO. 1
5. The representative of the Ministry informed the Committee that on the basis of bilateral agreement between the Saudi Arabia Airlines and PIA, they were charging Rs. 1800/- from each pilgrim on account of royalty payable to the Saudi Airline on their left over share. The main terms and conditions of the agreement are as under:- i. SV hereby assigns to the PK its right for the movement of pilgrims from points in Pakistan to Jeddah and VV and points in Pakistan to Medina only during the current Hajj Season on the PK's fleet or chartered equipment. PK shall be responsible for the sales and scheduling of their required flights as well as any other arrangements for their movement in addition to the collection of the round trip fares. ii. In consideration of the assignment of SV's share to PK, said PK agreed to pay Hajj Royalty to SV as follows:-
l The Hajj Royalty amounting to USD 20.00 or (USD 40 only on SV share i.e. 50% of the total Hajj Traffic) per adult, half of the said amount per child and ten percent per infant on all pilgrims originating from Pakistan only and no other destination will be permissible except with the prior approval of the appropriate Saudi Authorities otherwise severe penalty will be imposed. l In the event that SV carries Hajjis on schedule/extra section flights, such carriage shall be deducted from PK's total Hajj carriage on schedule and extra section flights during hajj period. l 15% of the IATA over 45 kilos specified cargo rate for all kilos carried by PK from Pakistan to KSA USD 0.35 and from JED/MED to Pakistan amounting to USD 0.45 per kilo.
6. Furthermore, the Committee was informed that the ministry has requested the Ministry of Defence and PIA to renew the agreement of PIA and Saudi Arabia Airline. However, so far no breakthrough could be achieved. In case this agreement is terminated and new Airlines are included in the agreement for the transportation of pilgrims during Hajj season then in that event the Ministry would be able to reduce Hajj package form Rs. 10000/- to 15000/-. An open sky policy is required to be introduced in the Hajj season for
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transportation of Hajjis because PIA and Saudi Airline had established their strong monopoly.
7. The Committee asked the Ministry to provide information about the number of passengers of Saudi Airline and PIA to be taken to Jeddah during this Hajj – 2010 and why Ministry of Religious Affairs was charging Rs. 1800/- from every passenger, even from those passengers who had not traveled on PIA on account of royalty. In this context Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani pointed out that PIA had accommodated Saudi Airline passengers and earned profit so the PIA should pay the royalty from their profit to Saudi Airline. Senators Haji Muhammad Adeel and Muhammad Ali Durrani opined that agreement should be reviewed immediately in consultation with the Ministry of Defence and PIA. The Ministry of Religious Affairs proposed that this issue may be discussed in the presence of Ministry of Defence and PIA and they may be directed to attend the next meeting.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2
Query Reply
i) Total number of new Hajj i) Ministry informed that after balloting of application forms issued after the balloting Hajj they issued 1244 Hajj application forms. of Hajj draw with names of
persons/representatives on whose requests
the forms were issued;
ii) The Ministry informed that they have ii) Total numbers of unsuccessful and declared 550 pilgrims from the unsuccessful waiting list candidates who were declared and waiting list candidates. successful till the departure of the last flight
and on whose request they were
considered successful;
iii) In response to this item Ministry iii) Complete list of those persons to provided a list of 443 pilgrims without giving which the Hajj special flight forms were the names of the recommendatory authority. issued and the names of the
persons/representatives on whose requests
the forms were issued;
iv) In reply to this item Ministry provided a iv) Total number of successful list of 70 intending pilgrims who have been applicants to whom the new Hajj issued forms but could not proceeded on Hajj. application forms/special Hajj flight forms were issued, but they could not depart for hajj due to various reason.
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8. In relation to the above replies the Committee directed the Ministry to provide information within 15 days to the hounorable Chairman as to on whose recommendations out of 1244 Hajjis 550 were declared unsuccessful and 694 persons were sent on Hajj.
9. The Ministry informed that they issued Hajj applications forms on the recommendations of the Parliamentarians and other dignitaries. Ministry also informed that they passed 73850 Hajis in ballot. Besides this they allocated 1150 seats for the following purpose. l Labour - 250 seats l Hardship cases - 180 seats l Hajj Foundation/UAE - 250 seats (Spoonsored Hajis) l Last Flight - 470 seats (Ministry has charged additional 500 Riyal for this flight)
10. The Ministry informed that the list of pilgrims on last flight had been decided by the Minister for Religious Affairs for the last many years. Ministry also informed that 100 Hajj application forms were issued to each Federal Minister and Minister of State for Religious Affairs for Hajj-2010.
11. The Committee directed the Ministry to furnish to the Committee names with particulars of persons given forms against Federal Minister's and Minister of State quota.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3
12. The representative of the Ministry informed the Committee that Ministry of Religious Affairs entered into an agreement with Moassassah South Asia. (Moassassah is a group of Companies who worked under the Ministry of Hajj Saudi Arabia) to provide tentage and allied facilities for Pakistan Hajj pilgrims in old Mina on a payment of Saudi Riyals 300/- per pilgrim in March, 2010. Moassassah had promised to allocate sixteen (16) Makatib for the Pakistani Hajj pilgrims with a capacity of 5000 pilgrims in each Makatib. Thereafter, they reduced it to 14 Makatib and out of these Makatib four (4) were on a slope of land near Kawati Masjid, a comparatively undeveloped area of old Mina. Pilgrims of some other
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countries like Yemen, Sudan, Indonesia, Iraq, India and Bangladesh have also been housed in a similar steep location adjacent to the Maktib of Pakistani pilgrims at Mina.
13. Furthermore, the Committee was informed by Ambassador of Pakistan, Mr. Umar Khan Alisherzai, met with the Chairman, Moassassah South Asia to make alternate arrangements for accommodation of the Pakistani pilgrims of Makatibs situated on a steep area of Mina. But Chairman, Moassassah confirmed that all arrangements in these camps would be completed by 8th Zil Hajj Pakistan Mission observed that almost 50% work of the camps in Mina had not been completed and the basic living amenities i.e. electricity, water supply wash rooms etc were not available in the said Makatib till 8th Zil Hajj. The Pakistan Mission had requested the Deputy Minister Hajj, Ministry of Hajj and Auqaf Saudi Arabia for his intervention in the matter and to resolve the issue. Chairman, Moassassah had assured for the availability of all basic facilities in these camps in Mina on return of pilgrims from Arafat on 10th Zil Hajj, but despite this the required facilities were not made available till completion of Hajj i.e. on 12th Zil Hajj. The Minister of Religious Affairs after having physically surveyed of these camps and had convened a formal meeting with the Chairman Moassassah and informed him that suitable compensation for difficulties and inconvenience faced by Pakistani pilgrims should be made by the Saudi Government. As a follow up to this the Saudi Hajj Ministry announced a refund of Saudi Riyals 250/- per pilgrim to the affected Hajjis.
14. The Ministry clarified that Pakistan Hajj Mission is not responsible for any mismanagement in Mina Hajj operation. As such Saudi Government had to pay a total 6.6 million Saudi Riyals as a penalty to Government of Pakistan. Problems faced by the Pakistani Hujjaj were similar to those faced by the Hajjis of other countries like Bangladesh, Iraq and India.
15. Against above perspective the Committee directed the Ministry to do research and report back to Committee to how Bangladesh and India addressed these problems in constitution with the Saudi Government. The Committee also ruled that the incident was due to the mismanagement of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and directed that in future Ministry of Religious Affairs should foresee these types of problems and be prepared in advance to overcome any issue. Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani suggested that a proper inquiry should be made by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on this issue and findings be reported back to Committee in 30 days. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani proposed that a Committee may be constituted to comprehensively examine all issues of Hajj Affairs. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada suggested that Ministry of Religious Affairs may request the Saudi Government to allocate exclusive area permanently to the Pakistani Hujjaj in Mina.
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Committee on Religious Affairs. The Ministry also hired a few more buildings on 2000 Riyals per Hajji in Makkah.
20. The Committee unanimously made following recommendations:
i) A Hiring Committee consisting of members of the Parliament may be constituted for hiring of accommodation in Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrims for the next Hajj.
ii) Arrangements of hiring of accommodation for Hajj – 2011 should be started immediately. iii) The Ministry should provide details of last Hajj flight on whose recommendations these pilgrims were sent on Hajj.
iv) The Ministry should provide the names of the recommendatory authorities for issuing 1244 Hajj forms as per list supplied by the Ministry during the meeting on 20th December, 2010.
v) The Ministry should provide details of 250 Hajjis who were sent for Hajj through Hajj Foundation/UAE (sponsored scheme) along with the names of the recommendatory authorities.
vi) PIA should stop charging of 650 Riyals from those pilgrims who want to come early from Saudi Arabia during next Hajj- 2011.
vii) Hajj quota for all the dignitaries should be finished in Hajj – 2011.
viii) Hiring Review Committee constituted by the Government may be renamed as Hiring Committee for future purposes.
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16. To a query regarding complaints of the non-availability of transport in Mina, the representative of the Ministry informed that the Government of Saudi Arabia was responsible to provide transport in Mina and Arafat. However, the Ministry did not receive any major complaint on this account. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro held the view that transport should be the responsibility of Mulameen.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4
17. The representative of the Ministry informed the Committee that the Prime Minister was pleased to approve the composition of Parliamentary Committee for hiring the buildings in Saudi Arabia as under:- 1. Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, MoS for Foreign Affairs. 2. Mr. Azeem Daultana, MNA 3. Mr. Bahadar Ahmad Khan Sehar, MNA.
Nawzada Malik Amad Khan, MOS regretted to visit Saudi Arabia, therefore, the Prime Minister in his place had nominated Mr. Bilal Yaseen, MNA, Mr. Azeem Daultana, MNA visited Saudi Arabia along with family on his own expenses; he had however overseen the Hajj arrangements. The Committee had visited 70 buildings.
18. When questioned as to why the Ministry of Religious Affairs had not arranged further visits of the Hiring Review Committee for inspection of remaining buildings. The representative of the Ministry informed that Hiring Review Committee reviewed the accommodation for 29000 pilgrims during their last visit to Saudi Arabia and the Committee had to see further 52000 Hajj accommodations. These buildings were hired at a very late stage as such it was not possible for the Review Committee to inspect these buildings before Hajj - 2010.
ANY OTHER ITEM
19. To a query of Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan, the representative of the Ministry informed that it returned 3000 Riyals to each pilgrim. Responding to observation of Senator Dr. Khalid Mahmood Soomro the Ministry informed that it caped the amount of 3400 Riyals per Hajji for Hiring of accommodation in Makkah on the recommendation of the Standing
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ix) Appropriate quota to Parliamentarians for obtaining Hajj visa may be fixed.
x) The Ministry should provide a copy of the report prepared by Mr. Azeem Daultana, MNA, and member of the Parliamentary Committee for hiring accommodation in Saudi Arabia.
xi) The Ministry should provide details of 14 persons sent on Hajj. List supplied by Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro and already been handed over to the Ministry during its meeting.
xii) The policy of Khadam-ul-Hujjaj should be discontinued as earlier recommended by the Committee.
xiii) Hiring review Committee should again visit Saudi Arabia to examine the accommodation of 52000 pilgrims not inspected by Committee earlier for 2010 Hajj.
xiv) The Ministry and PIA should provide the details of left over quota from Saudi Arabian Airlines in the Hajj 2010.
xv) The Hajj agreements 1429M (2008G) between Saudi Arabian Airline and Pakistan International Airline regarding payment of Hajj Royalty to Saudi Airline by the PIA should be reviewed immediately.
Syed WaqarY usaf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 28TH FEBRUARY, 2011.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 28th February, 2011 at 02:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. To consider point of order raised by Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel during the sitting of the Senate held on 27th July, 2010 regarding charging of Rs. 1800/- from every Haji on account of royalty; ii. To consider Starred Question No. 156, asked on 3rd August, 2010, regarding release of Zakat fund to the provinces during the financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10 wherein share of Punjab Province was shown higher than the Sindh Province. iii. To look into distribution of Hajj forms after the Hajj Draw 2010 covering the following aspects;
a) List of 1244 persons to whom new Hajj application forms were issued after the Hajj draw and the names of the person/representatives on whose requests the forms were issued; b) List of 550 unsuccessful and waiting list candidates declared successful for performing Hajj and the names of persons/representatives on whose request their status has been changed as successful; c) List of 470 person to whom Hajj Special Flight forms were issued and names of the persons/representatives on whose requests the Special Hajj Flight forms were issued; d) List of 250 sponsored pilgrims who were sent for Hajj 2010 through Hajj Foundation Quota and the procedure adopted for finalizing the list of applicants for Hajj Foundation Quota;
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e) Distribution of 100 forms issued to each Federal Minister and Minister of State for Religious Affairs.
iv. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on February 28, 2011
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:- I. Senator Dr. Khalid Mahmood Soomro ii. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani iii. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan iv. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada v. Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani vi. Senator Mst. Afia Zia vii. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq viii. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir ix. Senator Abdul Rashid x. Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel (Mover)
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada. The Committee took strong exception to the absence of Minister for Religious Affairs from the Committee's meeting and declared it a sheer breach of privilege of the Committee and the House.
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Agenda Item No.1
5. The Chairman of the Committee said that agenda Item No. 1 was deferred during the last meeting of the Committee on the request of the Ministry of Religious Affairs due to non presence of Secretary, Ministry of Defence and M.D PIA but today Ministry of Defence has informed that due to the Board meeting of the PIA, Minister for Defence, Secretary Defence, and MD PIA could not attend the meeting and requested for deferment of agenda item. Senators Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani, Muhammad Zahid Khan and Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq were of the view that the agenda item may be deferred so that it may be discussed in the presence of concerned officers of Ministry of Defence and PIA. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq has also agreed with Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani's point of view and held the view that the subject is primarily responsibility of Ministry of Religious Affairs.
6. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs however, informed the Committee that as per Air Service Agreement between PIA and Saudi Airline Rs. 1800/- are being charged by PIA from each pilgrim is requested to pay royalty to Saudi Airline. This policy is applicable to all countries from where special flights are operating for Saudi Arabia for Hajj Pilgrims. Ministry of Religious Affairs had many a time requested Ministry of Defence to take up the issue with Saudi Government but no response has yet been received from the Ministry of Defence. In this regard Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel expressed his displeasure on the absence of Minister for Religious Affairs, Secretary Defence, and Minister for Defence and MD PIA in the meeting and proposed to move a privilege motion. Senator Dr. Khalid Mahmood Soomro proposed that this issue may be taken up by the Standing Committee before the announcement of next Haj Policy. The Committee unanimously recommended to move a privilege motion against absence of officers who did not attend the meeting.
Agenda Item No. 2
7. The agenda item No. 2 was deferred on the request of its mover, Senator Col (R) Tahir Hussain Mashhadi.
Agenda Item No. 3
8. The Ministry provided lists indicating following information to the Committee. i) Pilgrims who went on Hajj – 2010 through Hajj Foundation. – 11
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persons. ii) Pilgrims who performed Hajj on UAE quota - 204 persons. iii) Pilgrims booked for last Hajj flight PK-1659 on 10-11-2010 –443 persons. iv) Fresh cases of Hajj pilgrims 2010 – 586 persons. v) Re-instated cases from waiting list/unsuccessful against dropouts– 550 persons.
9. The representative of the Ministry informed that Hajj application forms were issued on the recommendations of the Parliamentarians and dignitaries. The Chairman of the Committee recommended that members may examine these lists and in case they have any reservations these will be discussed in the next meeting.
Any other Item
10. The Committee decided to consider Hajj Policy 2011 of the Government in its next meeting so that the members could give their input for improving prior to its announcements.
11. After detailed deliberations the Committee made the following recommendations:-
i) Proposed Hajj Policy 2011 may be placed before the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs prior to its presentation to the Federal Cabinet for approval. ii) Hajj application forms for Hajj – 2011 should not be issued on the recommendation of any VIP, except thorough ballot and a transparent procedure should be adopted. iii) The Minister for Religious Affairs must attend the next meeting of the Committee.
Syed WaqarY usaf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 12TH MARCH, 2011.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 12th March, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at FATA Secretariat, Peshawar, under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i) Briefing by FATA Secretariat on the allocation of Zakat Fund for FATA during financial years 2009-10, 2010-11 and reports of agencies regarding utilization of Zakat funds. ii) Distribution formula/share of Zakat fund of every Agency of FATA. iii) Briefing and presentation of complete list of the applicants to whom financial grant, educational stipend, widows financial assistance, medical treatment help and aid grant to madrassah were provided. iv) Any other item with permission of Chair.
3. The following members attended the meeting:-
i. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro ii. Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani iii. Senator Molana Abdul Ghaoor Haideri iv. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir v. Senator Abdur Rashid
4. Secretary (Zakat), FATA Secretariat, informed the Committee that as a sequel to extension of Zakat & Ushr ordinance 1980 Zakat and Ushr department and FATA Zakat Council was established in 2007. Mr. Sangi Marjan Khan was appointed as Chairman FATA
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Zakat Council and Zakat Committee of seven (07) Agencies. Five hundred (500) local Zakat Committees were constituted and FATA Zakat Council were notified.
FATA Secretariat had submitted SNE to Ministry of Finance for creation of one hundred and twenty five (125) posts of Zakat and Ushr department FATA but only twelve (12) posts were approved. No post was approved for field staff. Due to the shortage of staff in Secretariat and Agencies and unsatisfactory law and order situation in FATA, the Zakat and Ushr department and Zakat Committees are facing great difficulties in the distribution of Zakat. He gave the following details of Zakat fund for the years 2009-10 and 2010-11.
5. He informed that Rs. 100 million released for Natural Calamities for flood affectees during the year 2010-11 could not be disbursed so far among the victims. A Committee at Agency/FR level has however been constituted for disbursement of the amount. He informed that Zakat fund had been distributed amongst the Agencies through Zakat Councils of the respective agencies to the Local Zakat Committees on the basis of population.
6. The Secretary (Zakat) provided the following details of Agency/FRs regarding utilization of Zakat funds for the year 2009-10
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AGENCY/FRs WISE DETAILS OF UTILIZATION OF REGULAR ZAKAT FUND FOR THE YEAR 2009-10
S# Name of Population No of Ratio Issued Disbursed Un- Number of Agency Local Fund Fund Disbursed Beneficiaries Zakat (Million) (Million) Amount Committees (Million)
1. Bajaur 595227 96 18.73% 3.295 2.636 0.659 1226 Agency
2. Mohmand 334453 52 10.52% 1.850 1.849 0.00085 1623 Agency
3. Khyber 546730 87 17.20% 3.026 3.024 0.00179 2314
4. Orakzai 225441 35 7.09% 1.247 1.247 0 777 Agency
5. Kurram 448310 62 14.10% 2.481 2.285 0.196 2165 Agency
6. North 361246 26 11.37% 2.000 0 2.00 0 Waziristan Agency 7. South 429841 67 13.53% 2.380 2.380 0 1655 Waziristan Agency 8. FR 235083 30 7.45% 1.310 1.235 0.075 1329 Peshawar
Total 3176331 455 100% 17.5890 14.656 2.933 11089
7. He also presented the Committee, details of number of beneficiaries against each head of Zakat Fund for the year 2009-10 as under:
S# Heads Amount Disbursed Number of beneficiaries
1. Education stipends 79,15000 68,101,60 6200 2. Deeni Madaris 35,18000 24,16,700 2445 3. Health Care 26,38000 23,26,500 2133 4. Marriage Assistance 35,18000 31,03,000 311 5. Education stipends 1,46,04000 1,16,00000 580
(Technical)
Total 3,21,93000 2,62,56,360 11669
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8. To a query regarding non-disbursement of the 2nd installment of Zakat fund for the year 2009-10, the Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that due to the non-submission of utilization report of funds released as first installment the Ministry did not release 2nd installment as per laid down procedure. However, the Ministry released 100% Zakat funds for the year 2010-11 to FATA Secretariat as a special case because of prevailing law and order situation in FATA. The detail of Zakat funds for the year 2010-11 was given as under:
S# Heads Issued Amount Disbursed Number of
Amount beneficiaries
1. Guzara Allowance Rs. 26,38,000 - - 2. Education Stipends Rs. 79,14,600 - - 3. Education Stipends Rs. 35,17,400/- - - (Deeni Madaris) 4. Health Care Rs. 26,38,000/- - - 5. Marriage Assistance Rs. 35,18,000 - - 6. Aid Grant Rs. 4,397,000/- - -
Total Rs. 4,83,65000/-
9. The Committee expressed its displeasure on the non-utilization of funds released to FATA Secretariat for the year 2010-11 and observed that the FATA Secretariat should enhance and improve its capacity for effectively transacting Government business.
10. The Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that since the subject relating to distribution of Zakat funds in FATA had been transferred to the Ministry of SAFRON, as such the Ministry's role has been reduced to transfer the money to the FATA Secretariat after receipt of funds from the Federal Government.
11. The Ministry of SAFRON proposed to the Committee that the Staff having the domicile of FATA may be posted in Zakat and Ushr Department, FATA Secretariat Peshawar in future. The Chairman FATA Zakat Council also informed the Committee that due to non- availability of required staff and offices they could not perform their duties properly.
12. The honorable Chairman of the Committee inquired as to why the educational stipends (Technical) were not provided to the students of South Waziristan Agency (SWA). Clarifying the issue the Secretary Zakat informed the Committee that the educational stipend could not be provided as technical educational institutes are not available in South
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Waziristan Agency. The Committee proposed that educational stipend (Technical) be provided for SWA students in the nearest district to SWA i.e. District Tank and D.I Khan and provision for establishment of technical institutes in SWA be made in the next FATA Annual Development Plan, 2011-12.
13. After detailed deliberations the Committee made the following recommendations:-
i) The deficient staff required for Zakat and Ushr Department FATA Secretariat should immediately be provided by transferring officers/officials available in surplus pool of Establishment Division and the employees who have domicile of FATA be given preference in posting in the FATA Secretariat, Peshawar. FATA Secretariat Ministry of SAFRON should take up the issue with Establishment Division on urgent basis.
ii) Ministry of SAFRON may after consultation with FATA Secretariat create remaining 113 posts for Zakat and Ushr Department FATA Secretariat.
iii) The Zakat funds which were not disbursed to the FATA Secretariat during the year 2008-09 and 2009-10 and as such stood lapsed may be revived and released to FATA Secretariat due to extraordinary circumstances in FATA. Ministry of Religious Affairs in consultation with Ministry of SAFRON may move a summary for the Prime Minister through Finance Division in this context. Ministry of Religious Affairs may relax the rule for FATA for re- allocation of lapsed/surrendered Zakat funds 2010-11 if FATA Secretariat had not utilized them in time.
iv) Ministry of SAFRON and FATA Secretariat should make necessary arrangements for providing all the facilities i.e. staff, office accomodation, office stationary, car with petrol, pay and allowances etc. to Agency Zakat Chairman as per their entitlement.
v) FATA Secretariat should utilize 100 million rupees released for flood affectees for the year 2010-11 immediately and a report be
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 16TH MARCH, 2011.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 16th March, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the premises of the Council of Islamic Ideology, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman of Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:- i) Briefing /discussion on the overall working and performance of Council of Islamic Ideology.. ii) Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:- 1. Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani 2. Senator Molana Abdul Ghaoor Haideri 3. Senator Abdur Rashid 4. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada 5. Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani 6. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Abdur Rashid. The Chairman Standing Committee welcomed the Members and participants of the meeting. Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani Chairman, Council of Islamic Ideology Council while briefing the Committee about the Council informed the Committee that the Council is a permanent body constituted under Article 228 of the Constitution and it consists of minimum eight (8) members and maximum 20 members. The President of Pakistan may appoint a member from amongst persons having knowledge of the principles and philosophy of Islam as enunciated in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Not less than two members are persons belonging to Judiciary i.e. Judges of Supreme Court or High Court
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submitted to the Committee in its next meeting.
vi) Ministry of SAFRON and FATA Secretariat may devise a simple procedure for payment of Zakat fund to the Mustahiqeen.
vii) Zakat and Ushr Department FATA may prepare Zakat and Ushr ordinance on the pattern of provinces and obtain its approval from the concerned authority.
viii) FATA Secretariat should prepare a brief report on the utilization of Zakat fund of Bajaur and South Waziristan Agencies indicating share of each Agency and present it to the Committee at the earliest. (with complete list of applicants/Mustahiqeen)
ix) Educational stipend (technical) may be provided for SWA students of the nearest districts to SWA i.e. District Tank and D.I Khan and technical educational institutes may be constructed from the FATA Annual Development Plan, 2011-12.
Syed Waqar Y usuf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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and not less than four of the members are persons who have not less than fifteen years experience in Islamic research or institution and at least one member is a woman. He informed that as per Article 229 of the Constitution the President or the Governor of a Province or Parliament including provincial assemblies with two fifth of its total members shall refer any matter for advice on a question as to whether a proposed law is or is not repugnant to the injunctions of Islam.
Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on March16, 2011
5. Furthermore, the Chairman of the Council said that functions of the Islamic Ideology Council are regulated under the rules made in pursuance of Article 231 of the Constitution. The Council has presented 93 recommendations in the shape of report to the Government. The council had also published reports on “Terrorism and Islam”, “Huddood Ordinance 1979” and “Freedom of Women” which were presented to the Government. The Council has not so far received any reference either from the President or Governor so far for advice on Islamic laws etc. The Council functions under the overall supervision of its Chairman. The Council has two wings i.e. “Administration” and “Research” headed by the Secretary and Director General respectively.
6. The Council has a library comprising of about 3000 books.
7. The D.G Council's informed that in terms of Article 230 (4) of the Constitution the council presented following three types of reports: (i) Reports on the formation of Islamic laws. (ii) Annual Report (i) Subject Reports.
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8. The officer gave details of the reports presented in the National Assembly and Senate from 1974 as under:-
S.No. Name of Report Presented in N.A Presented in Senate 1. Annual report 1974-75 07-4-1977 07-4-1977 2. Annual report 1974-76 07-4-1977 07-4-1977 3. Annual report 1977-78 20-11-1985 20-11-1985 4. Annual report 1978-79 20-11-1985 20-11-1985
5. Annual report 1980-81 20-11-1985 20-11-1985
6. Annual report 1981-82 20-11-1985 20-11-1985
7. Annual report 1982-83 20-11-1985 20-11-1985 8. Annual report 1983-84 20-11-1985 20-11-1985 9. Annual report 1986-87 17-7-1991 17-7-1991 10. Annual report 1987-88 06-7-1991 06-7-1991 11. Annual report 1988-89 06-7-1991 06-7-1991 12. Annual report 1990-91 19-4-1992 19-4-1992 13. Annual report about interest free 21-6-1992 21-6-1992 banking 14. Report about constitutional reforms 01-3-1992 01-3-1992
15. Report about Islamic Insurance 29-12-1992 29-12-1992
system
16. Report about communications 29-12-1992 29-12-1992 17. Annual report 1991-92 25-2-1993 25-2-1993 18. Annual report 1992-93 26-4-1994 26-4-1994 19. Final report 1996 02-7-1997 02-7-1997
9. The Council has not presented any report in the Parliament after 1997 on the legal advice given by the Law and Justice Division.
10. The representative of Council informed the Committee that they have examined the laws upto 1977. The laws for the period from 1977-1999 are pending with the Council and would be examined in due course of time. The laws from 1999-2002 have already been examined by the Council and would be presented to the Government in the shape of a report.
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11. The Committee noted that the Government had not been assigning proper task to the Council for research on Islamic laws of the country. The Council was also not asked to examine and advise the Government in formulation of Islamic laws of the country.
12. The Committee proposed that a Joint Committee of Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Religious Affairs and Housing and Works may be convened to discuss the future role and functions of the Council of Islamic Ideology.
13. The Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology informed the Committee that the mosque located within precincts of Council is not spacious enough for Jumma congregation. The Committee endorsed the concern of the Chairman and recommended that a mosque be constructed within the precincts of the Council.
14. The Chairman of the Council also informed the Committee that the Council was examining all agreements of the Government with the foreign countries made during the period from 1947 to 2009. These agreements are contained in twelve volumes, one volume contains about one hundred (100) treaties. As such there are about 1233 agreements. The Council shall categorize these agreements and give its opinion within two years regarding their conformity to the Islamic injunctions.
15. After detailed deliberations the Committee made the following recommendations:-
i) The reports of the Council of Islamic Ideology after 1996 may be presented in the Parliament i.e. National Assembly and Senate for discussion. ii) The reports of the Council of Islamic Ideology may also be presented to the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan by the Chairman of the Council. iii) The Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology may be elected from the Parliament so that he can himself present the report of the Council in the Parliament. iv) A national conference on terrorism may be arranged by the council and members of the Parliament, technocrats, Ulema should be invited to attend the conference. v) The Government prior to entering into any new agreement with a foreign country may first get it examined by the
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Council of Islamic Ideology so as to ensure its conformity with Islamic injunctions., vi) The members nominated for the Islamic Ideology Council should be highly qualified and should have expertise in Islamic laws besides they have good moral character. vii) Accommodation for the members of the Council of Islamic Ideology may be arranged on the pattern of Parliament Lodges by the Government during their tenure as member.
Syed WaqarY usuf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 6TH APRIL, 2011.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 6th April, 2011 at 02:00 p.m. in Committee Room No. 4, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Briefing/discussion on: a) Hajj Policy – 2011. b) Hajj Dues/Fare for Hajj - 2011. ii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:-
1. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan 2. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada 3. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq 4. Senator Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi (Special Invitee) 5. Syed khurshid Ahmed Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs (Ex-officio member)
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada. Thereafter, the Chairman of the Committee welcomed the participants of the meeting
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Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on April 06, 2011
5. The Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Khurshid Shah while briefing the Committee informed that draft Hajj Policy – 2011 presented to this August Committee has been prepared with great efforts and consultations with various stake holders. It would be implemented in letter and spirit. The Ministry, however, may make suitable adjustments in order to bring the policy and plan in conformity with Saudi Government orders/instructions as and when required for Hajj – 2011. He said the Saudi authorities have enhanced the quota of Pakistani Hujjaj from 159647 to 179256 with a net increase of 19609 pilgrims for Hajj– 2011. Out of the total allocation of Hajj quota 50% would be allocated to Government Hajj scheme and 50% to private sector i.e. HGOs. He said the applications for Hajj 2011 under Government Hajj Scheme would be invited from 11th to 30 th April, 2011. He further informed that the Pilgrims who shall opt Green category will have to pay Rs. 222000/- per Hajji while those who selected the White category will pay Rs. 212,000/- per Pilgrim. He assured that efforts would be made to ensure provision of maximum facilities to the Pilgrims.
6. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs briefed the Committee on following salient features of Hajj Policy – 2011:-
i) There would be no balloting this year and Hajj applications shall be considered successful on the principle of first come first serve basis. ii) This year there shall be two schemes (i) Government Hajj Scheme for those who shall perform Hajj under the arrangements made by MORA. (ii) Private Hajj scheme for those who want to make all their arrangements through Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs). As per policy this year there shall be no free Hajj. iii) Un-successful applicants during Hajj – 2010 will be considered approved for Hajj – 2011 if they have not withdrawn Hajj dues.
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i) 15% of the total quota under Government Hajj Scheme will be reserved for the following categories:- a) Hardship, Broken Family and substitution cases. b) Pilgrims recommended and fully funded by charitable/reputable organizations such as Shaikh Rashid Bin Said Al-Maktoum Hajj Foundation, sponsored by United Arab Emirates/ etc. c) Employees in the labour category of different organizations like Pakistan Tele-Communication Company Ltd., National Telecommunication Authority, Kahuta Research Laboratories, Oil & Gas Development Company Ltd., Hamdard Foundations and others would be accommodated on the recommendations of Ministry of Labour and Manpower.
7. International Machine Readable Passport and NADRA CNIC would be mandatory for filing Hajj applications. Ministry gave details of Hajj dues as under:-
Item Karachi/Quetta Other /Sukkur Stations Air fare 72,000 84,000
Terminal Tax (Rs.500+SR.50=Rs.1650) 1,650 1,650
Rent of (Green=SR 4,000 within 92,000 92,000 accommodation at 2000 meters without Makkah Mukkarmah transport based on distance (white SR=3,600) beyond 82,800 82,800 from the boundary of 2000 mete5rs with Haram Shareef transport Rent of accommodation at Madina= (SR.450) 10,350 10,350 Compulsory Hajj dues including Rais=SR.1389/- 31,947 31,947 Hujjaj Mohafiz Fund 400 400
Service Charges 1000 1000
Vaccination Charges 700 700
Total (in Rupees) for Green Category 210,047 210,047 Total (in rupees )for White category 200,847 200,847
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8. The Hujjaj travelling under Government Hajj Scheme shall arrange foreign exchange at least 1000 Saudi Riyals at their own from the open market. Each applicant would be required to undertake at the time of submitting Hajj application that he/she will arrange 1000 Saudi Riyals at his own before departure to Saudi Arabia.
9. The Ministry further informed that they shall offer following two categories of accommodation at Makkah Mukkarmah under Government scheme.
Category Distance Parity Rates (1SR=Rs. 23/=) Green Within 2000 meters from outer boundary SR. 4000/- = Rs. 92,000/- of Haram Share ef without transport facility. White Beyond 2000 meters from outer SR. 3600/-=Rs.82,800/- boundary of Haram Shareef with transport facility. 10. The Minister for Religious Affairs informed that a Hajj Advisory Committee would be constituted to advice on policy planning and management of Hajj operation – 2011 in Pakistan. The Composition of the Committee is as under:-
i. Minister for Religious Affairs Chairman ii. Chairman, Senate Standing Committee for Religious Affairs Member iii. Chairman, National Assembly Standing Committee for Religious Affairs Member iv. Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs Member v. One Member of the Senate Member vi. Two Members of the National Assembly Member vii. Ambassador of Pakistan in RKSA Member viii. Director General Hajj, Jeddah Member ix. Chairman/Secretary of HOAP Member
11. The Minister also requested the Committee to nominate a member on the Advisory Committee from amongst its members, whereupon the Committee unanimously authorized the Chairman of the Committee to do so. The Committee was further informed that there shall be no need for enrolment of new HGOs for Hajj 2011. All the existing HGOs would offer only two packages i.e. economy and executive package.
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12. The Committee expressed satisfaction on the Hajj Policy and hoped that it will be successful if proper implementation is ensured by the Government. The representative of the Ministry informed that FIA is still probing the last year's scandal occurred during Hajj season and Auditor General is also carrying out special audit of the Ministry.
13. The Minister informed that the Government had made agreement regarding Air fare from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia during Hajj – 2011 on the basis of oil price of US dollar 115 per barrel. In view of this the Committee recommended that if in future oil prices are reduced in the market then accordingly the Government may consider reducing the fare for Hajj 2011.
14. The representative of the Ministry informed that the Ministry has introduced a new Hujjaj Mohafiz Scheme on the concept of TAKAFUL (Risk Management). Each Hajji would be required to contribute an amount of Rs. 400/- into the Scheme. According to this scheme the following compensation would be paid in case of losses:-
S. No. Description Amount for compensation 1. Death due to natural causes, road accidents, suffocation or Rs. 200,000/- stampede. 2. Accidental disablement resulting loss of one limb Rs. 50,000/- 3. Accidental disablement resulting loss of two or more limbs Rs. 100,000/- 4. Repartriation/Emergency evacuation due to illness Rs. 50,000/- 15. Furthermore the Minister informed that this year the Ministry shall hire 900 Khudam-ul-Hujjaj amongst the students who are at present studying in Saudi Arabia and shall depute one Khadam for200 Hajjis as each Khadam shall be paid 75/100 Riyals per day on the recommendation of the Building Incharge. This year the Ministry shall also increase the strength of Doctors and as such for 1000 Hajjis one doctor would be hired as such a total of 180 Doctors would be employed for Hajj - 2011. This year the Saudi Government will provide the service of Mono Train for travelling of the Pakistan Hajjis between Mina to Arafat Muzdalfa and back on payment of 100 Riyals. All the Pakistani Maktab would be established near the mono train station. Any Hajji who would not avail this facility will be refunded 100 Riyals already paid by him.
16. The M.D, PIA informed the Committee that this year PIA will take 30000 Hajjis direct to Madina. Further, Saudi Government has allocated separate place for check in at
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Jeddah Airport for Pakistani Hujjaj. The M.D further informed that from this year Rs. 1800/- royalty being paid to Saudi Airlines by the PIA has been withdrawn according to new agreement executed between PIA and Saudi Airline. The Committee expressed satisfaction on this decision and explained that the issue of charging of Rs. 1800/- as royalty from each Hajji was referred by the House for consideration and report of the Committee. The Committee had already discussed this matter in its two sittings.
17. PIA furnished the following details of proposed Hajj fare as compared with the last year:-
Cost Proposed 2010 Proposed 2011 North South North South Fuel 38,677 32,825 44,704 37,980 Other than Fuel 49,484 43,575 49,733 43,628 Fare proposed by PIA 88,161 76,400 94,500 81,700 Fare agreed & approved 79,000 67,000 84,000 72,000
18. Reverting back to the Hajj policy the Committee enquired from the Ministry about number of buildings hired for Hujjaj. The Minister informed that hiring of accommodation started from the month of February/2011 and said that any owner of the building in Makkah and Madina can contact through Ministry's website with the D.G (Hajj) Makkah or Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamabad. The Ministry after negotiations have so far hired space for 17400 Hajjis as per Saudi laws. Allotment in Green category will be made on first come first serve basis by the month of June and desirous Hajjis would be informed upto July 2011 about their buildings and Makatib numbers. He further informed that the Ministry intends to hire 250 buildings in Makkah during Hajj season – 2011, and a group comprise of between 02 to 25 Pilgrims.
19. The Committee observed that the number of Khudam-ul-Hujjaj will be hired on local basis to curtail the Government expenses. In addition to this the Committee observed that the Khudam-ul-Hujjaj may provide services to the Hajjis who are performing Hajj on Government scheme and avoid to take additional responsibility of Hajjis who are doing Hajj on private Hajj scheme through HGOs.
20. After detailed deliberations the Committee made the following directions/recommendations:-
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I. Operational plan of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Hajj – 2011 should be the part of Hajj Policy – 2011.
ii. The Ministry of Religious Affairs may review the policy of Khudam-ul-Hujjaj, their standard of work, medical mission in Saudi Arabia. Their performance should be improved according to the requirements of Hujjaj.
iii. Khudam-ul-Hujjaj nominated from Pakistan for Hajj season should be given proper briefing/training before their departure to Saudi Arabia and their nomination should be without any political influence.
iv. Proper training may be arranged by the Ministry of Religious Affairs for Hajjis before their departure for Hajj to Saudi Arabia.
v. As soon as the Hajj operation starts 24 hour telephone service must be available in the Ministry of Religious Affairs till the completion of Hajj Operation – 2011. vi) PIA should ensure there will be no delay in Hajj flights in Pakistan as well as in Saudi Arabia during Hajj Operation – 2011.
Syed WaqarY usuf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 26TH MAY, 2011.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 26th May, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:- i) Detailed briefing on the criteria adopted for distribution of additional quota of 20,000 Hajjis. ii) Steps taken by the Ministry for Religious Affairs for Hajj 2011 to avoid difficulties faced by the Hajjis during Hajj, 2010 iii) Reasons for difference of PIA fare between the pilgrims performing Hajj 2011 under Govt. Hajj scheme and under Hajj Group Organizers scheme. iv) Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:-
1. Senator Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri 2. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada 3. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq 4. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro 5. Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani 6. Senator Mst. Afia Zia 7. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir 8. Senator Abdur Rashid
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Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at P arliament House, Islamabad on May 26, 2011
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada. The Chairman of the Committee informed that the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs could not attend the meeting due to the death of father of the President of Pakistan. The Committee offered Fateha on the sad demise of Mr. Hakim Ali Zardari, father of the President of Pakistan.
Item No.1
5. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs while briefing the Committee informed that the Ministry had initiated preparations for making arrangements of Hajj-2011 since January, 2011 and a delegation of the Ministry visited Jeddah Saudi Arabia during the month of March, 2011. On the basis of meetings held in Jeddah proposals regarding Hajj arrangements were placed before the Cabinet in its meeting on 13-4-2011. Cabinet has approved Hajj plan and policy. Last year i.e. 2010 approval was accorded in the month of June. The Ministry is now doing work in accordance with the approval of the Cabinet. This year Hajj will start on 04-11-2011. The quota of Pakistani Hujjaj has been increased from 159647 in 2010 to 179256 in 2011 with a net increase of 19609 pilgrims. The total number of pilgrims had been earmarked under the Government and Private Hajj schemes at the ratio of fifty – fifty basis. Of the additional quota of 19609 this year 89256 pilgrims have been placed under Government Hajj Scheme whereas the remaining 89256 to 726 Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs).
6. Furthermore, the Committee was informed that according to Hajj Policy – 2011, 15% of the total seats under Govt. Scheme have been reserved for the following categories of applicants:-
i. Hardship, Broken Family, last year's rejectees who could not apply for Hajj 2011
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and substitution cases. ii.Pilgrims recommended and fully funded by charitable/reputable organizations such as Shaikh Rashid Bin Said Al-Maktoum Hajj Foundation, sponsored by United Arab Emirates etc. iii. Labour/low paid employees of Public Sector Organizations and Corporate entities sponsored out of welfare fund maintained by such organizations. iv. Balance number of seats, if any would be allocated to late comers at an enhanced package @ 5% of Green Scheme. v. The proposal for reducing 15% quota reserved for Labour/Low paid employees categories to 5% is under consideration. Ministry of Labour and Manpower has been asked to furnish nominations of deserving Hujjaj under this category.
7. Referring to distribution of Hajj quota the Committee was informed that about 250 Hajjis would be sent on Hajj through sponsored schemes, their expenditure for Hajj would be borne by the UAE Hajj Foundation and other charitable organizations etc. During the current year the Ministry has not received any application so far in this regard but expected Hujjaj shall be adjusted against the 15% seats reserved.
8. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs promised to provide to the Committee a complete list of Hujjaj with their addresses who went on Hajj – 2010 on the sponsored scheme by the UAE, Hajj Foundation. The Committee was of the view that a representative of Prime Minister's Secretariat who deals with the list of sponsored Pilgrims by the UAE may be invited to attend the next meeting of the Committee to brief the members on the subject.
Item No. 2
9. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that for the current year they have started receiving Hajj applications under Govt. Scheme from 15-4-2011 and so far 87000 Hajj applications have been received. However, acceptance of the applications were stopped on 28th April as during this year the Ministry has adopted a policy for pilgrims to serve on first come first serve basis. 72000 Hujjaj have already been informed that their applications have been successful for Hajj – 2011 and they have been advised to start preparations for Hajj.
10. The Ministry has arranged accommodation for 51800 Hujjaj in Makkah. Of
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will not be required to report to Haji Camps 2 – 3 days prior to their departure to Saudi Arabia because all the requisite formalities including vaccination etc. would be completed during their training period. The Hajjis will be required to report Haji Camp only about 4 to 5 hours prior to their departure to Saudi Arabia.
Item No. 3
14. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the Committee that all the Pilgrims under Govt. Hajj Scheme shall travel from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and back on special Hajj flights. This year Hajj Air fare will be Rs. 5000/- less as compared to last year. All the Hajjis under Govt. scheme will travel in one class i.e. economy while the private HGOs shall take their Hajjis in two different classes. As regards the fare for private Hajj scheme the airline shall charge fare according to scheduled flight rate. The Ministry would arrange meetings between private HGOs and PIA to finalize Air fare and hopefully better result will be received in due course of time. The representative of Private HGOs who was called to attend the meeting as special invitee informed that they could not announce final cost of Hajj package unless and until airfare is decided by the Govt. and requested the Committee that they may also be charged the same fare as was approved by the Cabinet for the Pilgrims of Govt. sponsored scheme and they are ready to deposit 50% advance fare with the airline. The representative of PIA informed the Committee that being a commercial organization to avoid losses which are unsustainable. PIA is working hard to keep its fare close to those offered by Private HGOs scheme so as to cover only the operating costs. He held the view that from commercial point of view Hajj operations are totally a loss for PIA. Last year pursuant to the instructions of the hounorable Prime Minister of Pakistan PIA had reduced the Hajj fare by Rs. 9000/- per Hajji under Govt./Private scheme. This year the Govt. has allocated Hajj quota 82000 Hajjis for PIA. Presently PIA is not in a position to reduce air fare for Hajjis who are performing Hajj on private Hajj scheme through HGO's. As such PIA will charge air fare from private HGO's as per market rate.
Any Other Item
15. The Committee pointed out that the parking capacity of the new Pakistan House, Makkah is limited. To avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims it should be increased. Responding to the observation the Ministry informed that about 15 to 20 vehicles can be parked in the parking area of the new Pakistan House, Makkah. To a query, the Ministry informed that during Hajj – 2010 out of four hundred and sixty (460) Private HGO's, performance of two hundred and forty (24) HGO's was satisfactory. Three (3) companies were suspended for one year due to serious violation of agreement, twenty two (22) companies were downgraded and their quota were reduced and seventy five (75) companies were issued
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these34000 Hujjaj were from Green Category and 16904 Hujjaj were from white Category. The process is required to be completed by upto 24th July, 2011. A team consisting of five members headed by D.G (Hajj) Jeddah is working on the hiring of accommodation for Hujjaj. Scrutiny of the bids for accommodation at Madina Munawarah is in progress and it will be finalized by the end of the current month. The Committee pointed out that if the Ministry of Religious Affairs has already signed the agreement with the owner of the buildings for hiring of accommodation in Makkah then there is no need of Hajj Advisory Committee to Saudi Arabia because once the agreement is signed it is very difficult to cancel it. The Committee was also of the view that it should visit Saudi Arabia before the hiring of accommodation. Responding to it the Ministry informed that the Hajj Advisory Committee during its visit to Saudi Arabia will oversee the whole process regarding implementation of the policy and other related arrangements for Hajj – 2011. The Committee discussed in detail the issue regarding hiring of accommodation for pilgrims under the Government scheme and was of the view that Hajj Advisory Committee would soon visit Saudi Arabia to examine the process to ensure transparency. The Committee, however, proposed that since the pilgrims could easily complete the compulsory 'arkan' of Hajj in 30 days therefore the stay of Hujjaj may be shortened by 10 days.
11. The Committee was optimistic that the Hajj arrangements during the current year would be upto the mark and necessary measures have been taken to plug lapses occurred during Hajj 2010. It was also brought to the notice of Committee that the overall schedule of transportation between the designated airlines is expected to be finalized by the Ministry by the mid June 2011 and the arrangements particularly with respect to Hajj operations from Multan and Quetta were also being reviewed.
12. In the context of transport arrangements, the Ministry informed that this year four Air Lines i.e. Saudi Air Line, NAS Air Lines of Saudi Arabia, PIA and Shaheen Air will accommodate Hujjaj as per prescribed quota to be finalized between PIA and Saudi Arabia shortly but a basic formula of 50/50 between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would be observed. Shaheen Air International Ltd. has been requested to collaborate with major carrier i.e. PIA to ensure smooth and timely transportation of Hujjaj to Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Defence has proposed that Shaheen Air International may airlift entire quota of Hujjaj from Faisalabad, Rahimyar Khan and half of the load of Hujjaj from Quetta. The Ministry of Religious Affairs also informed that the Saudi Govt. has specifically allowed all Pakistani Hujjaj of Govt. Hajj Scheme to utilize the facility of Mono Train for traveling between Arafat and Muzdalfa and their Maktab will also be close to Mono train Stations. The Committee directed the Ministry for a proper briefing to Hujjaj before their departure from Pakistan regarding the facility of Mono Train.
13. The Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the Committee that this year the Hujjaj
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warning due to their sub-standard performance.
16. The Committee after intensive deliberations made following recommendations:-
I. The visit of Hajj Advisory Committee to Saudi Arabia should be planned well before the arrangements of Hajj. ii. The obligatory stay for Hujjaj may be reduced from 40 days to 30 days in order to decrease the Hajj expenses. iii. The Ministry of Religious Affairs may introduce customer's satisfactory card system which may be given to each Hajji before their departure to Saudi Arabia which they would fill and send it to Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamabad after return or during Hajj to DG Hajj, Jeddah. iv. The Ministry of Religious Affairs may provide a complete statement of accounts for the last three (3) years showing the amount received year wise from pilgrims and deposited in the banks and amount of interest received by the Ministry of Religious Affairs on that amount and utilization of that amount by the Ministry. This information may be provided to the Committee during the next meeting. iv. The Ministry of Religious Affairs should facilitate the Private HGOs for finalizing the Air fare for pilgrims for Hajj – 2011 by arranging meetings between HGOs and Airlines.
Syed WaqarY usuf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON JULY 11, 2011
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 11th July, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at FATA Secretariat, Peshawar, under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Implementation status of the recommendations made by the Committee in its meeting held on 12th March, 2011 at FATA Secretariat Peshawar. ii. Briefing by the Zakat and Ushr Department FATA Secretariat on the allocation and distribution of Zakat Fund for FATA during current financial year 2010-11 and briefing on report of all Agencies/FRs regarding utilization of Zakat funds. iii. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:-
i. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro ii. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir iii. Senator Abdur Rashid iv. Engr. Shaukatullah, Minister for SAFRON (Ex –officio member)
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Abdur Rashid. Thereafter, the Chairman welcomed the participants of the meeting. While giving details of actions taken on the recommendations of the Committee dated 12-3-2011 Secretary FATA Secretariat (Zakat) informed that they had recruited the following staff on temporary basis from FATA to make Zakat Office functional at Agency level:-
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SR # POSTS NO OF PERSONS
i Agency Zakat Officer 08
ii Assistants 08 iii Computer Operators 08 iv Drivers 08 v Naib Qasids 08 vi Chawkidars 08 vi Sweepers 08
Total 56
5. All the facilities i.e. vehicles, offices, stationery, POL and honoraria @ Rs. 3000/P.M have been provided/paid to Chairmen Agency Zakat Councils. Secretary (Zakat) FATA informed that the funds released for the year 2010-11 have been disbursed @ Rs. 10,00F0/- per family for partial damages and Rs. 20,000/- for complete damages. The detail of the amount disbursed Agency wise was a under:-
Sr. Name of Agency/FR No. of Affectees Amount Disbursed (M) No 1. Bajaur Agency 2957 Rs.29.570 2. Mohmand Agency 592 Rs. 5.920 3. Khurram Agency 61 Rs. 0.610 4. FR Lakki 506 Rs. 10.120 5. FR D.I. Khan 1138 Rs. 13.970 Total: 5254 Rs. 60196
6. The Secretary (Zakat) informed that funds released to the Bajaur Agency during 2010-2011 were as under:-
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Sr. No Regular Zakat Fund 2010-11 Amount(M) 1. Guzara Allowance Rs. 9.888 Education Stipends Rs. 2.966 Education Stipends to Students of Deeni Madaris Rs. 1.318 Health Care Rs. 0.988 Marriage Assistance Rs.1.318 2. Eid Grant Rs. 0.823 3. Educational Stipends (Technical) Rs. 4.200 4. Flood Affectees Rs.31.660
7. Furthermore, he informed that funds amounting to Rs. 24 Lac were disbursed as Educational Stipends (Technical) to South Waziristan Agency for training of their students in the nearest District i.e. Tank and D.I.Khan. As per decision of the Senate Standing Committee projects for construction of one Technical Institute at Chagmalai area and one College of Management Sciences at Wana South Waziristan Agency has been included in the Annual Development Plan 2011-12 and construction of both the buildings have been started.
8. In reply to a question the Secretary FATA Secretariat (Zakat) informed that Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in pursuance of Zakat and Ushr Ordinance 1980, constituted FATA Zakat Council for a period of three years. Present Zakat Council was constituted in February, 2011 as under:
i) Mr. Sang-i-Marjan Mahsud, retired Chief Secretary Chairman Northern Areas, r/o South Waziristan Agency. ii) Maulvi Ahmad Noor Alizai, r/o Bajaur Agency Member (Alim) iii) Maulvi Abdul Akbar Ali Khel, Orakzai Agency Member (Alim) iv) Maulvi Gul Ramzan, North Wazristan Agency Member (Alim) v) Malik Haji Hidayatullah Khan, former Commissioner r/o Mohmand Agency Member vi) Mr. Israrullah Khan, Kuki Khel, Councilor, Khyber Agency Member vii) Mst. Benazir Bibi W/o Saifullah, Adezai, FR Lakki Member viii) Mst. Mir Gul Khela W/o Zarnawa\Wazir Khel, FR Bannu Member
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ix) Secretary Finance Department, FATA Member x) Secretary A & C Department FATA (in the capacity as Secretary Local Government FATA) Member xi) Secretary Social Welfare, Women Empowerment, Zakat & Ushr/Chief Administrator Zakat & Ushr FATA. Member/Secretary
9. The Secretary further informed that a total of nine Chairmen FATA Zakat Councils i.e. seven for Agencies and two for FR were nominated for 3 years term each which had already been expired on February, 2011. The members of these councils have already been given extension upto October, 2011
10. The representative of Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that in future the collection of Zakat Funds would be with the Federal Government and the Federal Government shall distribute the Zakat Funds amongst the Provinces and in other areas according to new formula which will be placed before the Council of Common Interests for approval. Also upto June 2011 a total amount of rupees four billion was available in the Zakat Fund in the State Bank. Claims for distribution of Zakat of rupees six billion have been received. An amount of rupees four billions would be distributed after taking approval from the Council of Common Interests.
11. After detailed deliberations the Committee made the following recommendations:-
i) Persons appointed on temporary basis from FATA at Agency level for Zakat officers may be regularized after observing merit criteria.
ii) SAFRON may take suitable steps for further appointment against 57 remaining posts as demanded by the FATA Secretariat.
iii) All the lapsed Zakat funds for FATA may be provided to FATA Secretariat, Zakat wing.
iv) While distribution of Zakat funds and at the time of appointment of Chairman Zakat Council local
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Parliamentarians should be consulted and their recommendations may be taken into consideration.
v) Any complaint received from Chairman Zakat Council should be addressed by the FATA Secretariat (Zakat) and if necessary Social Welfare department may also be consulted for solving the issue.
vi) Due to increase in the population of FATA area the Government may consider enhancing Zakat Funds for FATA upto a reasonable level.
vii) The Ministry of Religious Affairs may extend the time limit upto December, 2011 for disbursement of the remaining amount of Rs. 38.37 million out of 100 million.
viii) The Ministry of Religious Affairs may provide separate funds for the establishment of Special Educaiton Center for FATA at Hayatabad, Peshawar.
ix) The funds of rupees four crore are lying with the FATA Secretariat (Zakat wing) for flood affectees as such time for disbursement should be extended upto December, 2011.
x) The detail of disbursement of Zakat Fund in the South Waziristan Agency and Bajour Agency should be provided by the FATA Secretariat to the Standing Committee prior to the convening of the next meeting of the Committee.
xi) The Government may consider for establishment of Directorate of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal for FATA.
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xii) Proper facilities may be provided to the Chairman FATA Zakat Council by the FATA Secretariat (Zakat wing).
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 22ND July, 2011
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 22nd July, 2011 at 02:30 p.m. in Committee Room No. 1, Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i) Briefing/discussion regarding differences on the issue of sighting of Moon/Celebrating of Holy Month of Ramazan, Shawal (Eid-ul-Fitr) and Eid- ul-Azha on the same day. ii) Suggestions for establishing National consensus for observing Religious events/ceremonies/ rituals on same day. iii) Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:-
i. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro ii. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq iii. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan iv. Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sherani v. Senator Abdur Rashid
Special Invitees i) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Chairman Ruet-i-Hilal Committee ii) Mufti Muhammad Sahabuddin Popalzia, Khateeb Jamia Masjid Qasim Ali Khan iii) Moulana Syed Shabbir Ahmed Kakakhel,
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Senator Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad on July22, 2011
4. The meeting started with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro. The Chairman of the Committee welcomed the Members and participants of the meeting and stated that the main purpose of convening the meeting was to evolve a strategy to resolve the long standing controversy regarding sighting of moon for observance of the Holy month of Ramzan, Shawal and Eid-ul-Azha. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs while briefing the Committee informed that the Government of Pakistan had constituted a Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee at Federal level in pursuance of the resolution passed by the National Assembly on 23-1-1974. Presently Mufti Muneeb-ur- Rehman is the Chairman of the Committee. The Committee comprises of fifteen (15) members to be nominated by the Minister for Religious Affairs including two expert members. The Government extends full support to the Ruet-e-Hilal (Moon Sighting) Committee an approved body to announce moon sighting and its decisions are enforced in general and on specific occasions like Ramzan-ul-Mubarak, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul- Azha.
5. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, informed that the Maulana Ehtisham-ul-Haq Thanvi was the first Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The Chairman as well as members of the Committee do not take any salary/honoraria from the Government, however, traveling and daily allowance are paid to the members of the Committee. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman further said that Central Ruet- e-Hilal committee meets four times in a year at Central and Provincial Headquarters, for moon sighting while the members attend the meeting at their nearest District Ruet-e-Hilal Committee's offices for moon sighting of remaining months. He said that the Committee elects its Chairman by a simple majority vote of all its members. The term of the office of Chairman is three years. He further said that they have to face some problems from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province while announcing the moon sighting of Ramzan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid- ul-Azha. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman further said that Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was a representative body of Ulemas belonging to all sects and groups and decisions were taken in accordance with the Sharia Law. He said that they were never pressurized by the
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Government or any department to announce the commencement of Ramzan. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman further said that some people belonging to the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa particularly, Bannu, Charsadda, Mardan and Peshawar are hesitant to accept the decision of the Committee; therefore, despite their repeated efforts no consensus has been reached with them so far.
6. Mufti Muhammad Shahbuddin Popalzai of Qasim Ali Khan Mosque Peshawar said that it is the first time that government had taken interest on the issue and called the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee. He said. Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was a Government body and their members follow official agenda. He said the issue can only be resolved if the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee take Ulema from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into confidence. He said that Qasim Khan Mosque was established in 1825 and since then the Ulemas of the Mosque are taking decision of moon sighting as per their tradition and according to Sharia in the light of evidences.
7. The Committee directed that the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee should consider all the evidences regarding moon sighting received from all over the country including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and then announce their decision according to Sharia. The Committee also suggested that the system adopted in Malaysia for moon sighting and celebration of Ramzan & Eid can also be adopted in our country.
8. The Standing Committee pointed out that reports of Metrological Department should be given due consideration as is being done in other Muslim countries. In this context the representative of Metrological Department informed the Committee that they have 40 observatories in various parts of the country and they share their expertise in moon sighting to the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
9. The Minister for Religious Affairs said that moon sighting is not only an official matter but it is also a national issue which the Scholars and Ulemas should solve amicably.
10. After detailed deliberations the Committee made following recommendations:-
I) The honorable Chairman, constituted a sub-committee comprising of following members:
1. Senator Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro, Chairman
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2. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir Member 3. Senator Abdur Rashid Member 4. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan Member The Sub-Committee would examine the issue of moon sighting in the country and would hold discussions with ulemas of the country to evolve a consensus for observing Ramzan and Eid on the same day across the country.
ii) The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee should make announcement of Moon Sighting at least after three hours after sunset.
iii) The Ministry of Religious Affairs should communicate the composition of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committees indicating qualification of its members and details of their religious services etc, before the next meeting of the Standing Committee.
iv) The composition of Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in Central and Provincial should be given equal representation and FATA may also be accorded due representation in the Committee.
Syed WaqarY usuf Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi Secretary Committee Chairman
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SENATE SECRETARIAT
Subject: MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS HELD ON 19TH OCTOBER, 2011
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held on 19th October, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. in Committee Room of Haji Camp, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Muhammad Saleh Shah Qurashi.
2. The agenda before the Committee was as under:-
i. Visit of Hajji Camp Islamabad and briefing regarding facilities being given to Hajjis at Hajji Camp, Islamabad. ii. Category wise details of Hajj Application Forms issued after the Hajj draw (waiting list, newly issued list, Parliamentarian special flight, labour quota etc.) iii. Implementation status of Hajj Policy, 2011. iv. Steps taken by the PIA to avoid difficulties faced by Hajjis during Hajj, 2010 like late departure/arrival of flights and missing of luggage etc. v. Any other item with the permission of Chair.
3. The following members of the Committee attended the meeting:-
i. Senator Molana Muhammad Khan Sherani ii. Senator Prof. Sajid Mir iii. Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan iv. Senator Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada v. Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq vi. Senator Abdur Rashid
4. The meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran. The Chairman of the Committee welcomed the participants of the meeting and invited Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs to brief the Committee on agenda item No.1.
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5. The Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the Committee that this year all the Hajj pilgrims who had applied for Hajj have been accommodated. Hajj Directorates working at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad and Sukkur in Pakistan are facilitating the intended pilgrims. Haji Camp, Islamabad is providing necessary facilities to the Hujjaj like other Haji Camps all over the country. Facilitation Counters at Islamabad Hajj Directorate have been established during Hajj season and these counters will be operative round the clock.
6. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has coordinated with all the concerned agencies for providing all Hajj facilities to the pilgrim's i.e Airlines, Buses, Civil Aviation Authority, Saudi Consulate, Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, Local Administration, CDA, Pak PWD, IESCO. Sui Gas, Customs, Immigration, Anti-Narcotics and ASF.
7. Furthur to that, the Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs informed that all the arrangements have been completed at all Haji Camps and provision of medical/welfare facilities to the pilgrims in Haji Camps has been ensured. He further said that the Ministry has provided updated audio/video Cassettes/CDs, Hajj Booklets etc on Hajj, free of cost, to all the pilgrims at Haji Camps prior to departure of Hajj flights.
8. To a query relating to the transport arrangements the Ministry informed that this year the Saudi Government will provide one Bus for 100 Hajis and the Ministry has assigned this duty to Directorate (Transport) and Directorate (Accommodation) which shall be responsible to look after these jobs. Moreover, this year the Minister has sent 180 Doctors at the ratio of one Doctor for 1000 Hajis and 360 Para Medical staff. The Doctors will visit the residential buildings and camps meant for Haji's with all equipments regularly. They have also established 13 dispensaries for medical facilities for the Hajis.
Item No. 2
9. The Secretary while giving briefing informed that this year 1,79,210 Pakistanis would perform Hajj under Government and HGOs scheme on equal basis. 87,795 applications were received till May, 2011 in Govt. schemes and all were declared successful. However, 15% quota reserved for various categories of hardship etc. was reduced to 1.2% of total strength of Hujjaj. Break up of total number of applications for Hajj, 2011 was provided as under
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Categories No. of Hujjaj Percentage Remarks Declared successful directly 87,952 98.155 UAE Scheme 350 0.391 15% reserved quota Labour 335 0.374 reduced to 1.846% Substitution 83 0.093 Hardship 885 0.988 Grand total 89,605 100
Item No.3
10. The representative of the Ministry informed that Hajj Policy was approved by the Cabinet on 13--4-2011 and according to the policy the work relating to the arrangement is under process. Two hundred and eleven (211) buildings have been hired for accommodation of Hujjaj under Govt. scheme. Ministry provided the following details of the staff deputed for the welfare of Hujjaj.
S. No Category Sanctioned Strength 1. Season Staff 270 (170 from MORA & 100 from other Ministries/Divisions) 2. Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj 240 3. Hajj Medical Mission 562 4. Volunteer KUH 490 Total 1562
11. As per Hajj Policy all the Hajj Directorates have completed their training schemes and in order to educate intending pilgrims on various aspects of Hajj 48 programs on PTV were telecast and 28 programs were broadcast from Radio Pakistan. The Ministry has distributed following booklets to the Hujjaj about the Manask-e-Hajj.
i) Safr-e-Saadat. ii) Rehnuma-e-Ustaza for training of intending pilgrims. iii) Training manual for guidance of Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj, Medical Mission and Seasonal duty staff.
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12. A toll free number 0800-11121 has been installed in Saudi Arabia to receive the feedback as well as complaints of Hujjaj so that timely report may be ensured. The Ministry informed that for the purpose of transparency and effective accountability a team of competent financial manager headed by CFAO has been deputed to visit Saudi Arabia and study the entire financial management structure of Directorate General Hajj, Jeddah,. However, the Ministry ensured the Committee that the Hajj Policy will be fully implemented by December, 2011. The Committee after listening the details of the Hajj Policy pointed out that if work on the policy is implemented in letter and spirit then rate of complaints will be minimized during Hajj, 2011.
Item No. 4
13. The representative of PIA also informed the Committee that this year the reporting time of Hujjaj at the airport has been reduced from 16 hours to 06 hours and Hujjaj will be treated as normal international passengers. After series of meetings between Ministry of Defence MORA, CAA, ASF, ANF Customs Immigration the following decisions have been taken:- Karachi, Quetta, Sialkot & Sukkur: Hujjaj will report directly at the airport and all processes will be carried out at airport.
Islamabad, Lahore & Peshawar: Hujjaj will report at Haji Camps, where they will be seen off by their relatives and friends and then they will be transported to airports by buses for processing and other formalities.
Multan: Due to construction work at the Airport & location of Airport being inside Army area, same procedure as of last year will be followed whereby Hujjaj will report at Haji Camp for check-in and baggage acceptance.
The transportation expense i.e from Haji Camp to airport at all stations concerned will be borne by PIA, MORA and CAA on sharing basis.
14. PIA has also planned to provide following facilities at Jeddah Airport this year to the Hujjaj.
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I) This facility is going to be jointly managed by PIA and Pakistan Hajj Mission and in this facililty, ample accommodation is available to handle five thousands passengers at one time, with proper rooms to accommodate Hajis.
ii) PIA, in coordination with Pakistan Haj Mission will be bringing its passengers from MED/QCA to a “Haji Camp like facility at Jeddah” at least 20-24 hours prior to departure and as soon as they disembark from buses, their baggage is placed in a big hall in parallel rows, with a display board of flight number on the wall. Separate areas are demarcated, flight wise, in the hall.
iii) Hujjaj will be checked in and their baggage will be accepted as soon as they arrive in Haji Camp and then they will be escorted to their allocated rooms where they can take some rest.
iv) The screened baggage will directly reach airside at the Haj terminal and passengers will be brought from the mentioned facility to the Haj terminal 05 hours prior to flight departure, where they will proceed straight to the processing hall. The building also encloses eating places, shops and medical aid facility.
v) In case the flight is delayed for some reason, the passengers will be retained back at the Haji Camp facility as such they may not have to wait at airport for long hours.
vi) Purchasing Installation of the metal detectors to screen Hajjis in Hajji Camps prior to their transport to their transportation to Hajj terminals to save considerable time and hassle with regards to GID Security Screening faced at Haj Terminal.
vii) Creation of video training programs for the information of Hujjaj regarding procedures at Jeddah airport.
viii) Constitution of dedicated baggage handling teams at Jeddah Airport and also on arrivals of Hajjis in Pakistan to ensure smooth handling of Hujjaj baggage.
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15. The Committee visited the following counters established in the Haji Camp for the
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