The National Assembly’s standing committee on Religious Affairs has forwarded recommendations to the Ministry of Religious affairs regarding a proposed parliamentary visit to Makkah and Madinah.
The recommendations were discussed during a meeting of the standing committee chaired by Shagufta Jumani. During the meeting, it was proposed that a parliamentary delegation travel annually to Madinah and to attend prayers at Roza-e-Rasool and perform Umrah on behalf of the public.
According to the recommendations, the National Assembly would bear the expenses for air tickets, accommodation, and meals in Makkah and Madinah.
It was also suggested that hotel accommodation or official lodging be arranged for the delegation and that a protocol officer be appointed to assist them during the visit. The committee proposed that the delegation consist of 10 members and that it travel every year.
During the meeting, the issue of allowing family members to accompany delegation members was also discussed. Some committee members supported allowing family members to travel, while others stated that if family members were included, their expenses should be borne personally.
There was also discussion regarding the size of the delegation, with some members suggesting an increase in the number of participants.
Reports quoted sources that the delegation was described during the meeting as representing the public. It was also reported that the proposal was discussed among committee members and the minister, including member of National Assembly Sardar Muhammad Yousaf.
Separately, the National Assembly Secretariat clarified that no approval has yet been granted for a parliamentary delegation to perform Umrah or visit Roza-e-Rasool at state expense. The secretariat stated that under a 2016 resolution, members of parliament have been visiting Roza-e-Rasool each year at their own expense.
According to the secretariat, the recommendations have currently been forwarded to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and will be sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly for final approval. No decision has yet been taken on the implementation of the proposal.