ISLAMABAD : Minister for Religious Affairs, Khurshid Ahmed Shah on Monday informed the National Assembly that no Hajj quota would be given to new tour operators for pilgrims under private scheme for Hajj-2008.

Responding to number of queries during “Question Hour”, he said the quota is issued on yearly basis for one Hajj season but this year no new license would be issued to new tour operators.

He said in all 594 Hajj tour operators were enrolled for Hajj-2007 and they would be allotted Hajj quota for the forthcoming Hajj.

Responding to a question of Azra Fazal Pachiho, he informed that last year 78 complaints of different nature were received against 56 tour operators, adding, Out of them, inquiry against 35 has been completed.

He however pointed out that a monitoring committee was also deployed at Makkah to monitor performance of the tour operators.

About privatization of Hajj, he said the Saudi government has proposed to send an additional 20,000 pilgrims under private policy.

“But, keeping in view performance of tour operators and problems being faced by our pilgrims, the government has decided to send same number of pilgrims for Hajj under private scheme as it was of last year,” he added.

On Shagufta Jumanis question, he assured to include members of the Lower House in the Hajj policy making process.

Regarding expenditures, he said airfares have been increased by the national airline owing to escalating fuel charges.

He pointed out that last year the per barrel price was at $ 70 which has now increased to $ 130 while the rent of the buildings around Haram has risen manifold.

“We will try to keep the Hajj expenditure within the reach of the common man,” he added.

About preparation of Hajj policy, he said the new policy is under preparation and soon after its finalization, it will be submitted for approval.

About different Umra policy for Pakistani pilgrims, he said the Saudi Government has imposed some restriction on Pakistani Umra pilgrims as a number of them had disappeared in that country. We also assured Pir Fazal Gilani, MNA for arranging an Umra visa for him. APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2008

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