A recommendation by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs to fund annual Hajj and Umrah-related travel for lawmakers from the national treasury has sparked debate, with critics questioning priorities amid economic hardship.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs has recommended that a 10-member parliamentary delegation be sent to Hajj every year during Rabiul Awal, with all expenses covered by the government. The delegation would travel to the holy sites to offer prayers and salutations at Rauza-e-Rasool on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal.
The recommendation was made during a meeting of the committee held in Islamabad on Monday.
Purpose of delegation
Committee Chairperson Shagufta Jumani said the delegation would pray for the prosperity and progress of Pakistan. She insisted there was no issue in spending public funds for this purpose.
According to her, the expenditure would not burden poor citizens, adding that prayers offered at the holy places would bring blessings and national progress.
Delegation size and funding source
The committee further proposed increasing the number of parliamentary delegates traveling to the holy sites in Rabiul Awwal from seven to 10. It also recommended that the expenses be borne by the National Assembly Secretariat, rather than individual lawmakers.
Shagufta Jumani explained that the delegation would travel once every fortnight for a “noble cause” and would pray for the expansion and well-being of the country and the nation.
MNAs demand individual quotas
In addition to the delegation proposal, committee members demanded that each member of parliament be given a Hajj quota of 10 people. All members of the standing committee supported this recommendation.
The move would significantly expand lawmakers’ influence over Hajj allocations.
Minister assures implementation in 2027
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf told the committee that the Hajj quota phase for the current year had already been completed. However, he assured members that the proposals could be implemented starting with Hajj 2027.
The recommendations have drawn sharp criticism from the public. Citizens expressed anger over elected representatives seeking Umrah and Hajj-related travel at government expense while poverty continues to claim lives.
Debate over priorities intensifies
Many questioned whether lawmakers, who are not financially deprived, should travel on public money. Some appealed to parliamentarians to show mercy toward the country and its people, saying religious travel should be funded privately, not through the national treasury.
Critics argue that placing the cost of prayers for the country on the exchequer reflects misplaced priorities during economic strain.
Supporters within the committee, however, maintain that such spiritual initiatives will ultimately benefit Pakistan.
The proposals now remain under discussion, with implementation planned no earlier than 2027.
National Assembly spokesperson clarifies reports
The National Assembly spokesperson has clarified reports suggesting that members of parliament travel for Umrah or Hajj at government expense. The spokesperson stated that no MNA is provided any facility for Hajj or Umrah at government expense.
According to the clarification, every year on 21st Rabiul Awwal, a parliamentary delegation attends travels to the Rauza-e-Rasool, and all members bear their own expenses.
The spokesperson emphasized that, in line with the approved resolution, each member of the delegation pays for their travel and related costs. Under standard operating procedures, the Ministry of Religious Affairs only provides administrative facilitation, not financial support.
The ministry does not bear any expenses related to these visits.
The spokesperson added that any proposal suggesting travel at government expense may reflect the personal opinion of an individual member.
“No such proposal has been approved by the National Assembly,” the spokesperson concluded.
