PESHAWAR, Dec 8: Minister of State for Religious Affairs Dr Amir Liaquat Hussain has said that the government is planning to set up a National Council of Ulema (religious scholars) to help create religious harmony among various sects in the country.

He was speaking to newsmen here at the conclusion of a seminar on Haj at the Iranian Cultural Centre. The minister said the problems being faced by Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia while performing religious rituals would be addressed, and added that he would himself proceed to Saudi Arabia to monitor the facilities being provided for safe and timely return of the pilgrims.

Referring to the National Council of Ulema, Dr Amir Liaquat Hussain said it would comprise about 400 prominent religious leaders belonging to all sects. The council would find out solutions to all contentious religious issues being faced by the Muslims. Its formation was in final stage and it would soon be established, he added.

He urged the Ulema to forge unity in their ranks and make efforts for promotion of fraternity among Muslim brethren. The state minister asked the Ulma belonging to various schools of thought to participate in the religious gatherings of each other to create mutual understanding, unity and religious harmony.

He also told the journalist that a 10-member committee of parliamentarians had been formed to monitor the arrangements provided by the government and private tour operators to Haj pilgrims.

The committee, he continued, would also proceed to Saudi Arabia and strictly monitor the whole procedure and made recommendations to solve problems. The government, he said, had also planned to make arrangements for providing accommodation to aged Haj pilgrims near Harmain Sharifain.

He said the government was shifting travelling arrangements for Haj pilgrims to private tour operators on trial basis. If the experiment proved successful, the whole process would be shifted to private sector.

The minister warned private tour operators against overcharging Haj pilgrims, and asked them to follow the rules, they had agreed upon. Earlier, the director the Iranian Culture Centre presented an address of welcome and gave a shield to the state minister as a memento of his visit to the centre. Prominent religious scholars also spoke on the occasion and highlighted different aspects of Haj. - APP