Latest news with #AttaurRehman
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate panel grills ministry over Hajj quota loss
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has informed the Senate panel that the final number of intending Hajj pilgrims under private Hajj operators is subject to the approval of the quota by the Saudi government. Ministry Secretary Dr Attaur Rehman briefed the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs subcommittee, explaining that payments for Qadana and Tawafa services are deposited into accounts in Saudi Arabia. Once the funds are transferred from there, they will be disbursed among the organisers. He noted that the funds could be used for the next Hajj if the system is maintained. Subcommittee convener Senator Awn Abbas Bappi inquired about the deductions for pilgrims requesting refunds and sought details regarding correspondence with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). He also asked about any funds deposited by mistake. The ministry's secretary assured that intending pilgrims would receive refunds. Senator Bappi further questioned why the SBP had not increased the daily fund transfer limit. The ministry's secretary responded that only organisers with at least 14,000 riyals in their accounts were cleared.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
K-P parties unite against mines bill
All major political parties in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have unanimously rejected the proposed Mines and Minerals Bill. Terming the bill a direct attack on the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial autonomy, natural resources, and the authority of the provincial assembly, party leaders warned of strong opposition if the government attempts to pass the legislation. The consensus was reached during an All Parties Conference (APC) organized by the Awami National Party (ANP) at Bacha Khan Markaz in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by ANP's provincial President, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, and attended by leaders and representatives of all major political parties in the province. Participants resolved that, if necessary, they would not only pursue legal avenues but also launch public protests to resist the bill. The proposed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 was discussed in detail during the APC . Key participants included Maulana Attaur Rehman (Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam), Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha (Pakistan Peoples Party), Bushra Gohar (National Democratic Movement), Ali Asghar Khan, Arbab Sher Ali, and Shakeel Khan (PTI), Professor Ibrahim (Jamaat-e-Islami), Murtaza Javed Abbasi (PML-N), Tariq Ahmed Khan (Qaumi Watan Party), Muhammad Ali (Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party), Adil Mehmood (Mazdoor Kisan Party), Khurshid Khan (Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party), and Barrister Inayatullah (Awami Workers Party). Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, legal community, mining experts, trade organizations, the Mines and Minerals Association, civil society, and ANP's central and provincial leadership also attended. At the end of the conference, a unanimous joint declaration was issued with the approval of all participants. Mian Iftikhar Hussain read out the joint declaration, stating that the APC completely rejects the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill 2025.
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
77,000 Hajj pilgrims' quota at risk
There is a looming risk that Pakistan's private Hajj operators may forfeit a quota of over 77,000 pilgrims due to non-compliance with Saudi regulations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the issue and has initiated efforts to prevent the loss, while also ordering the formation of a committee to identify those responsible for the mismanagement. Sources revealed that the Saudi government had informed Pakistan in 2023 of its decision to streamline Hajj operations by limiting contracts to fewer, larger companies - each with a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims. While the Ministry of Religious Affairs intervened at the time to provide temporary relief to smaller operators, it was also made clear that companies managing at least 200 pilgrims after merger would be allowed to operate in the future. In 2024, the ministry issued an advertisement inviting more companies to apply for Hajj quota. However, Hajj tour operators challenged this in the Sindh High Court, securing a stay order that remains in effect. This year, the Saudi authorities required that private Hajj operators complete bookings and payments for accommodation in Mina by February 14. Despite this, only around 12,500 bookings were completed through the designated Saudi portal before it was shut down, leaving the remaining 77,000 slots in limbo. The total private Hajj quota for Pakistan was 89,801 pilgrims. The failure to fulfill the quota has prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take urgent action. He has formed a three-member committee headed by Cabinet Division sectary, which has been tasked with determining accountability for the lapse within three days. Members of the committee include Religious Affairs Secretary Dr Attaur Rehman, FBR chairman and Gilgit-Baltistan chief secretary. Sources further disclosed that the Saudi government has refused to extend the deadline for private Hajj arrangements. The agreement between Pakistani private operators, the Saudi ministry, and the Pakistan Hajj Mission was signed on December 10, The government allowed private tour operators to transfer funds to Saudi Arabia starting from January 10 for Hajj 2025. Saudi Arabia had set February 14 as the booking deadline for Hajj pilgrims facilities. Sources stated that the efforts by the religious affairs ministry were unsuccessful as Saudi authorities did not respond.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
4m riyals saved under Hajj costs
The Ministry of Religious Affairs' Additional Secretary informed the National Assembly Standing Committee that one Hajj assistant will accompany every 150 pilgrims to provide assistance. Additionally, the ministry has saved four million riyals in transportation costs for Hajj pilgrims. The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Senator Attaur Rehman, was held to discuss Hajj arrangements and related issues. The Additional Secretary stated that a 12-member procurement committee had been formed for Hajj arrangements. The committee chairman suggested including a parliamentarian in the procurement committee, highlighting that pilgrims face numerous issues every year. Committee members raised concerns over the selection process of Hajj assistants through the National Testing Service (NTS), pointing out that the NTS exam paper was leaked in the previous selection process. Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasized that the leaked paper was even circulated in a video, which he claimed to have as evidence. In response, the Additional Secretary acknowledged isolated incidents of cheating but defended the overall process as transparent and merit-based. He noted that, in the past, Hajj assistants were appointed based on personal connections and recommendations, whereas now they must pass an exam. NTS officials stated that, out of 50,000 candidates, only two or three were caught with mobile phones during the test. However, Senator Bushra Butt criticized the NTS for failing to prevent cheating and mobile phone usage during the exam. The committee chairman called for a thorough investigation into the matter. The Additional Secretary also stated that if there are any allegations of financial corruption involving NTS or the Ministry of Religious Affairs, they should be formally brought forward. Regarding the Auqaf Department, he informed the committee that the Supreme Court had ordered the transfer of Auqaf land. According to the law, anyone occupying the land until 2010 is considered a tenant. He added that the income generated from Auqaf properties is used for the maintenance of gurdwaras and temples. Senator Ali Zafar noted that the Ministry of Law had yet to respond to the Muslim Family Law Amendment Bill. He mentioned that scholars from around the world are willing to provide a briefing on the bill via Zoom. Senator Kamran Murtaza cautioned against complicating marriage and divorce laws, emphasizing that marriage is a social contract. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan warned that if the law is amended to include property division in divorce cases, people might avoid marriage, as has been observed in Europe.
