The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken action and directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the subpar arrangements for the Hajj pilgrimage conducted in 2023. This decision was made during a committee meeting chaired by MNA Noor Alam Khan, where audit objections related to the Ministry of Religious Affairs were discussed. The focus of the discussion was the unsatisfactory arrangements for the Hajj.
Absence of Ministry of Religious Affairs Secretary
Unfortunately, the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was absent from the meeting, causing dissatisfaction among the PAC members. During the session, a junior officer from the ministry informed the committee that the secretary was unable to attend due to illness. However, this explanation was met with frustration from the PAC chairman.
Misuse of Public Funds Highlighted and Investigation Initiated
Expressing his frustration, the PAC chairman raised concerns about the poor Hajj arrangements and questioned the severity of the secretary’s illness. He emphasized that the inadequate arrangements had led to significant difficulties for the pilgrims. In comparison, Noor Alam Khan referred to the time when former Minister for Religious Affairs, Mufti Abdul Shakoor, was in charge and stated that the Hajj arrangements were significantly better during his tenure.
Mufti Abdul Shakoor had tragically passed away in a road accident during Ramadan, and his party fellow, Senator Talha Mehmood, had taken on the additional portfolio. The chairman strongly believed that public funds had been misused under the guise of Hajj arrangements and directed the FIA to initiate an investigation into the matter.
Moreover, the PAC meeting also addressed the NADRA data leak scandal. The committee instructed the Ministry of Interior to collaborate in launching a joint investigation into the case. To ensure a thorough probe, the PAC chairman recommended the formation of a joint team involving the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, FIA, and Military Intelligence.
