ISLAMABAD: A committee formed by the National Accountability Bureau has recommended a number of measures to curb corruption and malpractices in Haj arrangements.

In pursuance of Section 33C of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999, the prevention committee had been given a mandate to examine laws and rules relating to practice and procedures in the Ministry of Religious Affairs in order to prevent corruption and corrupt practices, NAB’s spokesman Nawazish Ali told reporters after the first meeting of the committee held on Monday.

The committee headed by NAB’s director general (awareness and prevention wing) comprises representatives of the ministries of religious affairs, health, foreign affairs, finance, interior, tourism and law, justice and parliamentary affairs.

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Despite government’s claim of spending millions of rupees on Haj arrangements, pilgrims face serious problems every year, mostly relating to boarding, lodging and health.

According to the NAB spokesman, the committee recommended that there should be fairness and transparency in registration of Haj group organisers (HGOs) and allocation of quota. HGOs should be categorised on the basis of resources, financial health, quality of service and previous performance.

The committee suggested that HGOs should be required to deposit a reasonable amount of money as performance guarantee. In the event of failure, the amount may be confiscated and distributed among the affected pilgrims.

The committee also proposed a penalty in accordance with prescribed procedure depending on the gravity of offence. “A transparent system was recommended for weeding out inefficient operators and encouraging new entrants to ensure competitiveness and fair play,” the spokesman said.

The meeting was informed that a Haj and Umrah act was being prepared and it might be finalised soon.

The committee called for special arrangements for the elderly who must be accompanied by a relative.

The government should launch an awareness campaign and training for Hajis. Services of call centres and SMS facilities may be used for the purpose.

The committee recommended that only one Haj should be allowed for a person in five years and preference should be given to those who have not yet performed Haj.

In the light of Supreme Court orders, the committee suggested improvement in functions of the committees hiring buildings, monitoring Haj operations, managing seasonal staff and making arrangements in Mina.

The embarkation point should be decided on the basis of choice of pilgrims and this should also apply to the return journey.

The compensation and welfare fund of Hajis should be audited on a regular basis.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2015

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