April 11, 2007	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 22, 1428

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PESHAWAR, April 10: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Ijazul Haq expressed the hope on Tuesday that the Jamia Hafsa issue would be resolved amicably.

Chaudhry Shujaat’s efforts were likely to bear fruit, said the minister at the ceremony at which the foundation stone of a hostel for intending Hajis was laid.

He said the government would not tolerate foreign interference in religious matters and the interests of religious institutions would be safeguarded, said a handout.

By providing education to poor children the seminaries were serving the society. The government wanted to provide every facility to the seminaries, added the minister.

The government held the ulema in high esteem as they were the torchbearers of religious education.

He urged the ulema to play their role in establishing a tolerant society, said Mr Haq.

He also said that a model girl’s school would be set up inside the Haj complex.

The hostel at the complex, he said, would cost about Rs40 million and would be completed by March 2008. It would provide boarding facilities to 350 pilgrims.

HAJ POLICY: The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr met in Peshawar on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Maulana Samiul Haq.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr, Ijazul Haq, and senior officers of the federal and provincial religious affairs ministries.

The committee discussed the problems faced by Hajis last year and deliberated upon the proposals forwarded for the Haj policy for 2007.

The committee proposed a reduction in the expenses for Haj and suggested improvements in the accommodation and other facilities offered to intending Hajis in Saudi Arabia.

The committee took note of the irregularities committed by ‘Haj tour operators’ including use of illegal documents. The committee asked for their ‘severe accountability’.

Concern was expressed during the meeting over the sectarian violence in Kurram agency. It was suggested that anti-state elements were involved in the violence there.

The committee decided to meet on April 16 in Peshawar to discuss in detail the situation arising out of the worsening law and order situation in Parachinar.

Senior officials from the interior ministries of NWFP and Fata have been asked to take part in the meeting.