The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony continues its efforts to improve Hajj arrangements and promote interfaith harmony nationwide, ensuring a smooth and accessible pilgrimage experience for all.
Operating under the Rules of Business 1973, the ministry collaborates with various organizations in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to enhance Hajj facilities while also working to uphold minority rights, foster peaceful coexistence, and encourage mutual respect in line with constitutional provisions. Additionally, it plays a key role in Islamic studies, organizing seminars, ensuring accurate Quran printing, and facilitating international religious cooperation.
To assist marginalized communities, the Minority Welfare Fund provides financial aid and supports the maintenance and repair of religious sites. Scholarships are awarded to minority students, while key initiatives focus on promoting Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH), sectarian harmony, and error-free Quran printing. The ministry also monitors digital platforms, reporting blasphemous, anti-Islamic, and sectarian content.
In 2024, the ministry organized the National Seerat Competition, distributing Rs. 3.5 million in cash prizes. A Seerat-un-Nabi Conference was held on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, attended by senior officials, where the Deputy Prime Minister and Senate Chairman presented awards for the Seerat Book Competition. The nationwide Milaad-un-Nabi celebrations included various educational activities, with articles on economic stability based on the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) distributed in libraries.
A significant step taken by the ministry was the establishment of a recycling plant for the proper disposal of damaged Quranic pages. Efforts to promote sectarian harmony included observing “Tahaffuz-e-Namoos-e-Risalat” and launching awareness campaigns on health and nutrition. Recommendations for civil awards were made for religious scholars and minority representatives.
The ministry also played an active role in regulating online content, reporting 16,634 objectionable links in 2024. Regular meetings of the Ruet-e-Hilal committees ensured accurate moon sighting for religious events.
With a total budget allocation of Rs. 1.83 billion, the ministry had spent Rs. 582.12 million by December 31, 2024, covering various operational expenses.
For Hajj 2024, extensive facilities were provided, including:
Under the Government Hajj Scheme, 68,804 pilgrims received training, vaccinations, and travel gifts, while compensation and refunds were processed for families of deceased pilgrims. Additionally, 1,200 welfare staff were deployed to ensure smooth operations.
The new Hajj Policy 2025 introduces several improvements, including:
Key legislative initiatives include:
Additionally, the ministry enforces existing laws such as:
For Hajj 2024, several new initiatives were introduced, including:
To promote interfaith harmony, the ministry:
To encourage Quranic education, the ministry hosted a nationwide Hifz-o-Qirat competition, offering cash prizes and selecting 14 participants for Qiyam-ul-Lail 2024, which was broadcast on PTV. Winners were nominated to represent Pakistan in international Quranic events.
The ministry also launched an e-portal to report objectionable online content alongside awareness campaigns on health, nutrition, and HIV prevention.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony remains dedicated to enhancing religious services, fostering interfaith unity, and ensuring the well-being of all citizens through progressive policies and initiatives.
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