National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs and
Interfaith Harmony has established a separate wing to verify Umra
agreements inked between Zaireen and Umra operators.
Spokesman Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
Noor Zaman Tuesday told APP that 600 companies have been registered
with the ministry for conducting Umra operations.
He said the names of authorised Umra operators would soon be
placed at the website of the ministry for information of the general
public.
He said Saudi Arabia has recently registered 50 Saudi companies
for Umra operations. The Saudi companies have appointed various Umra
companies of different countries including Pakistan as their sub agents,
who will ink Umra agreements with Zaireen on behalf of Saudi companies.
The ministry has been authorised to verify that agreement inked between
Zaireen and Umra companies.
Only licenced/registered Umra operators would be authorised to bring
Umra Zaireen to Saudi Arabia. Umra zaireen will have to get permission from
the ministry before leaving to Saudi Arabia, he said.
The main aim of regulating Umra operation is to ensure timely return
of Zaireen to Pakistan after performing the sacred religious obligation.
It is reported that scores of Umra zaireen do not return country after
completing their stay and return to country after performing Umra.
Only licenced operators will be responsible for carrying people to Saudi
Arabia for performing Umra.He said Ministry has sent a draft bill to regulate
Umra operations.
Ministry wanted to devise Umra policy in line with Hajj policy. Ministry
will ensure providing maximum facilities to faithful at reasonable
packages