Some new regulations related to Umrah operations have been formulated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Pakistan. The motive is to take control of the Umrah operations under the new Umrah and Hajj (Regulation) Act of 2024. Under this new law enacted earlier this month, separate funds will be allocated for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
The Religious Ministry already oversees Hajj operations, and now, for the first time, they will also handle Umrah operations. All the matters regarding the issuance of the licenses will be under the Religious Affairs Ministry. A separate complaint committee comprising four members will address all the issues related to negligence and violation of agreements.
Matters related to penalties, such as violations, blacklisting, cancellations, or suspensions of the licenses, will be under the jurisdiction of this committee. They can also reduce the Hajj and Umrah quotas based on the performance of the Hajj or Umrah group organizers. However, their decisions can be further appealed before the appellate committees.
The ministry has initiated the task of preparing rules and regulations; however, it is a time-consuming process as there are many layers of hierarchies to be consulted before making rules and regulations.
The private operators ran Umrah Operations and were in a decentralized manner. It created many problems as there was no proper mechanism and accountability. To avoid this ill management and to create a proper mechanism for only registered Umrah operators, a new, improved system is in the process.
The aim is to keep the system transparent and accountable, to provide ease and comfort to Umrah Pilgrims, to protect them against any fraud, and to address their complaints easily. To make it more effective, provincial governments have also been asked for their input. It will not only benefit Umrah Pilgrims, but it will also help Umrah Operators, as they can maintain their reputation as genuine people will remain in business.
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