Shahbaz Sharif, the prime minister, has demanded an explanation from the religious affairs ministry in response to a report alleging that 200 ministry officials will perform Hajj at the government’s expense.
According to Muhammad Abubakar Umer, the Prime Minister’s Digital Media Focal Person, the premier has requested an explanation.
“The prime minister of Pakistan has sought an explanation from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. It is a usual practice to send some officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs to serve the pilgrims, but this report gives a different impression, for which an explanation has been sought,” Umer said in a tweet.
According to the source, the list includes 35 employees from the office of Religious Affairs Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor, including five drivers, four gunmen, a cook, and 11 personal secretaries and aides. According to the source, the minister will also be performing Hajj this year.
A ministry spokeswoman was mentioned in the report as adding that the ministry’s staff goes every year to assist pilgrims during Hajj.
The spokeswoman was reported in the report as adding, “Staff like as drivers and gunmen are tagged along for help in works such as carrying luggage, etc.” It also stated that the trip for 200 people would cost “Rs170 million” in taxpayer funds.
To read our blog on “Hajj flight operations have been suspended for a week,” click here.