national assembly. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
The Standing Committee on Religious Affairs of the National Assembly on Thursday expressed concern over the allocation of funds to minorities and questioned the repeated awarding of Hajj-related contracts to a single company.
The meeting, chaired by MNA Shagufta Jamani, reviewed multiple agenda items including minority welfare funds and administrative matters related to Hajj operations.
During the session, Dr Nelson Azeem expressed concern over the “reduction in funds” allocated to minorities and questioned how many temples or churches could be renovated with Rs 10 million.
The committee declared the Rs 85 million allocated to minorities insufficient and recommended increasing the amount to at least Rs 500 million in the next budget.
The secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs stated that although the ministry annually requests increased allocations for the welfare of minorities, it receives limited funds.
The committee decided to write to the prime minister, cabinet and finance ministry seeking more allocation for minority welfare programmes.
Dr Azeem also pointed out “disparities” in academic qualifications, saying that Muslim students receive 20 points for memorization (Hifz), while non-Muslim students do not benefit from a similar provision. He called for a “fair distribution of grades.” The committee also questioned the awarding of Hajj-related contracts in Saudi Arabia to the same company for the fourth consecutive year.
Shagufta questioned why a previously blacklisted company was repeatedly awarded contracts, including for Hajj accommodation, and demanded that the Minister of Religious Affairs explain the matter at the next meeting.
