March 8, 2006	Wednesday	Safar 7, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, March 7: The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs expressed concern over insufficient flights for returning Hajis which keeps them stranded at the Jeddah Airport.

The committee met here under the Chairmanship of Senator Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, said a press release on Tuesday.

The secretary, Ministry of Religious Affairs, said that nearly 150,000 Pakistanis performed Haj this year and all out efforts were made to facilitate pilgrims.

He said a questionnaire was also sent to 15,000 Hajis to ascertain the difficulties faced by them during the current Haj.

He said appropriate action would be taken against all tour operators who violated rules and regulations.

He told the committee that the PIA failed to arrange 66 flights for Hajis as a result of which 27,000 pilgrims had to experience a lot of difficulties at Jeddah.

He said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz took personal interest and arrangements for additional flights were accordingly made.

Members of the committee decided to summon the chairman PIA with a view to seek his views on the matter.

The committee also suggested that the Ministry of Religious Affairs should appoint an independent individual to evaluate the facilities provided to pilgrims.

The meeting was attended by Senators Dr Khalid Ranjha, Abdul Latif Ansari, Mohammad Abbas Komaili and Syed Hidayatullah Shah and Maulvi Agha Mohammad, Secretary, Religious Affairs, and senior officials of the ministry.—APP