ISLAMABAD: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommended a forensic audit of Haj expenses incurred under the government scheme during this year’s Haj.
Presiding over a meeting of the committee, PAC Chairman Noor Alam Khan said that despite the completion of Haj proceedings, several officials including the additional secretary to the Ministry of religious affairs and interfaith harmony, Mr Atta-ur-Rehman, DG of Haj, and other staff were still in Saudi Arabia.
The committee discussed reports of problems faced by Pakistani Haj pilgrims this year.
The matter was forwarded to FIA to investigate complaints and propose solutions for future Haj pilgrims’ problem prevention.
Mr. Khan instructed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to provide a detailed response on issues faced by Pakistani Haj pilgrims.
The religious affairs secretary asserted the ministry’s responsibility for addressing Haj pilgrims’ needs and arranging facilities in Madina and Makkah. However, the majority of complaints were received from locations where the Saudi government handled arrangements, according to the note.
The members of the committee demanded that overhead expenditures should be reduced to make Haj cheaper under the government scheme.
Additionally, the PAC emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds for the Haj pilgrimage. Committee members emphasized auditing government scheme expenses to detect discrepancies and prevent financial mismanagement effectively.
They underscored the significance of safeguarding the interests of Haj pilgrims and ensuring that their experience is smooth and hassle-free. The committee expressed its commitment to addressing the issues faced by Pakistani Haj pilgrims. It urged to take necessary measures to improve the overall management and arrangements for future Haj seasons.
