Standing Committee Questions Moavineen Selection Process

News Desk

Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony on Friday expressed deep concern over the selection process of Moavineen through the National Testing Service (NTS).

The 4th meeting was held at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar.

The Committee members discussed the drawbacks of the current selection process in detail, highlighting the financial burden imposed by the high test fee and other expenses.

They urged the ministry to review and streamline the process to remove unnecessary obstacles for applicants who wish to serve pilgrims with a religious spirit.

The Committee recommended replacing the NTS-based selection method with a more practical approach for the next Hajj season and emphasized the need for proper training courses aligned with Hajj Ta’leemaat for selected candidates.

Chairman Aamir Dogar directed the ministry to present the NTS exam paper, the list of selected Moavineen, and details of the selection process in other Muslim countries at the next committee meeting.

Review of PSDP2025-26

The Committee reviewed the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the financial year 2025-2026. The Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs informed the Committee that various wings of the ministry and all Haji Camps are preparing proposals for new projects, which will be presented once finalized.

The Secretary also provided updates on the ongoing construction of the Hajj Complex in Lahore and the establishment of a recycling plant for sacred papers at the Haji Camp in Islamabad. The plant, being developed in accordance with Shariah principles and modern scientific standards, is expected to be completed by June 2025.

The Committee expressed strong interest in the project and directed the ministry to arrange a visit to the Haji Camp Islamabad for a detailed briefing. The Chair further recommended the establishment of similar plants in provincial headquarters, with plans for eventual expansion to the city level.

The Committee instructed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to develop and present an alternative plan for Hajj pilgrims who wish to travel by road or by sea in the next meeting.

Approval of Service Provider Agreement & Hajj Policy 2025

The Committee unanimously adopted the sub-committee’s report on the Service Provider Agreement (SPA) 2025 and the Hajj Policy 2025. Members expressed satisfaction with the consensus deliberations and stressed the importance of implementing the policy in letter and spirit.

The Committee deferred the briefing on the Inter-Faith Harmony wing to the next meeting.

The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously approved.