The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs has proposed that each Member of the National Assembly (MNA) be allowed to nominate 10 individuals for Hajj every year.
The proposal also recommends the dispatch of a 10-member parliamentary delegation to Madinah at government expense annually. The committee discussed the plan during a meeting chaired by MNA Shagufta Jamani on Monday.
Parliamentary Delegation to Visit Roza-e-Rasool and Masjid-e-Nabvi
Under the recommendations, the official delegation would visit Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) in Madinah to offer salutations on behalf of the Pakistani nation. Delegates would also perform Umrah in Makkah and offer nawafil prayers at Masjid-e-Nabvi.
The committee suggested institutionalizing this practice, noting that similar delegations had visited in the past.
Delegation Leadership and Family Accompaniment
In the absence of the National Assembly Speaker, the committee chairperson would lead the delegation, while the speaker would nominate the members. Committee members also proposed that family members of delegation participants may accompany them during the visit.
Government to Cover Expenses
Chairperson Shagufta Jamani emphasized that the National Assembly should bear all expenses, arguing that self-funded travel would not qualify as an official delegation. Her stance was unanimously supported by committee members.
The recommendations will now be forwarded for further consideration and approval by the relevant authorities.
