
NA panel concerned over Moavineen-e-Hujjaj's selection process
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony on Friday expressed its concern regarding the selection process of Moavineen-e-Hujjaj and discussed its drawbacks in detail.
The meeting, held under the Chairmanship of Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar in the Parliament House, directed the ministry to submit the NTS exam paper, the list of selected Moavineen, and details of the selection process in other Muslim countries at the next committee meeting.
The committee members urged the ministry to closely review the current process and eliminate unnecessary obstacles for Moavineen who wish to serve pilgrims with a religious spirit.
They emphasized the need for the ministry to adopt a more practical selection process from the next year instead of relying on NTS, which imposes a high-test fee and other expenses.
They recommended that the ministry arrange proper training courses for the selected candidates in accordance with Hajj Ta'leemaat.
The committee reviewed the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) of the ministry for the financial year 2025-2026.
Additional Secretary, Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman informed the committee that the ministry's various wings and all Haji Camps are in the process of preparing proposals for new projects. Once finalized, these proposals will be presented before the committee.
He briefed the committee on ongoing project – the construction of the Hajj Complex in Lahore.
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