Press Release Title: Senator Atta-Ur-Rehman, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony Presiding over a Meeting Of The Committee at Parliament Lodges Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 4th February, 2026

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was held today at Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, under the chairmanship of Senator Atta Ur Rehman. The meeting was attended by Senators Danesh Kumar, Hafiz Abdul Karim, Husna Bano, Bushra Anjum Butt, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Sarmad Ali and Atta-ul-Haq Derwaish. The Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony also participated in the proceedings. The Committee took up a detailed briefing and discussion on the quota allocation and tender awarding process under the Government Hajj Scheme for Hajj 2026, along with procurement of goods and services. The Ministry presented all relevant records before the Committee and briefed members on the end-to-end procurement framework adopted to ensure amanah, transparency and fairness in a process deeply connected with the sacred journey of Hajj. It was informed that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony constituted a seven-member Hiring and Procurement Committee to oversee procurement for Hajj 2026. The Committee comprised senior officers including one BS-21, two BS-20, one BS-19 and three BS-18 officers from the Ministry, OPAP and the Consulate General of Pakistan. In line with PPRA Rules, the Committee floated a Request for Proposal outlining technical evaluation criteria, marking and selection methodology, ensuring uniform treatment of all bidders. Following technical evaluation and opening of financial bids, awards were recommended to the most advantageous bidders. All decisions were taken unanimously, guided by collective experience of decades of public service and prior Hajj operations. Regarding Tawaffa services, the Committee was briefed that under the policy of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, each country may engage a minimum of one and a maximum of two Tawaffa or service provider companies. After comprehensive evaluation, 80 percent of the service quota was allocated to Al Rajhi and 20 percent to Rawaf Minia, both at a rate of SR 2,635 per pilgrim. The rationale for assigning the larger share to Al Rajhi was its strong track record and highest technical and financial ranking. The Chairman observed that Hajj, in its true ruhani essence, should not be reduced to a purely commercial exercise. The Ministry clarified that a transparent process was adopted, a grievance redressal mechanism was in place, and objections raised by one company were duly examined. It was further stated that Al Rajhi ultimately offered more competitive and economical rates. Senator Danesh Kumar raised concerns regarding the shortlisting of service providers, noting that while 34 companies were approved by Saudi authorities, only six were shortlisted. The Ministry explained that based on Pakistan’s population-linked requirements, 19 companies applied and six met the criteria for shortlisting, with Al Rajhi emerging on merit. In response to queries, the Committee was informed that Al Rajhi has the capacity to accommodate up to 80,000 Hujjaj and is duly empanelled with Saudi authorities. When asked about other countries served by the company, the Ministry was unable to reply. The committee concluded that performance during Hajj 2026 would ultimately validate the merit of the selection. The Committee also received a comprehensive briefing on the selection of Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj and Nazims for Hajj 2026. A Document Scrutiny Committee headed by a BS-20 officer has been constituted to examine applications strictly against advertised criteria. Scrutiny is at the final stage and any discrepancy will result in cancellation of candidature, with selection moving to the next candidate on merit. Under the Nazim Scheme, one Nazim will be deployed for every group of 188 pilgrims to guide them during the pre-Hajj phase, Mashair days and post-Hajj period. A total of 635 welfare staff will be deployed as Nazims, while others will serve in key operational areas including Hajj terminals in Jeddah and Madinah Munawwarah, transport, accommodation, food services, complaint cells, lost and found units and Haram guidance. A two-week intensive training programme is scheduled for March 2026, focusing on operational duties, pilgrim facilitation and healthcare support. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, merit and accountability in serving the guests of Allah. The HOAP briefed the Committee on the private Hajj sector, recalling that 2025 was the only year in which private sector pilgrims could not travel due to unforeseen disruption. The issue was managed with professionalism and integrity, with all affected pilgrims accommodated in 2026 or provided full refunds without deduction. Despite absorbing significant financial losses, no major disputes arose. The private sector now comprises 904 registered HGO offices nationwide, backed by decades of experience and a strong operational network, and remains fully prepared to implement reforms and enhance service delivery for Hujjaj. Statistical details on contracting were also shared, including the number of pilgrims under contracts, remaining pilgrims for contracting upto -16, 193, out of total quota of 60,000. 24 Completed and 1 partial contracts of tour operators.  In addition housing contracts in Madinah Munawwarah, reflecting progress against the total quota of 60,000 was also given  Responding to questions on discipline and organization of Pakistani pilgrims compared to other countries, the Ministry stated that under Saudi Vision 2030, reforms are being introduced in phases, including country-specific arrangements and even a theme colour for Pakistan reflecting provincial representation. The Committee also took up legislative business. Discussion on the Private Member’s Bill titled The Muslim Family Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduced by Senator Syed Ali Zafar was disposed of due to the mover’s absence.  Further discussion on the Private Member’s Bill introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri was also deferred  while the Private Member’s Bill titled The Muslim Family Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali was deferred pending comments from the Council of Islamic Ideology.   The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to safeguard the sanctity of Hajj, uphold transparency and ensure that every step taken reflects khidmat, amanah and respect for the sacred trust of serving the guests of Allah.