Explanation

The Bill, aş passed by the National Assembly, was moved by Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, in the sitting of the Senate held on 2nd. August, 2023, and referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony for consideration and report thereof.

Explanation

Accordingly, the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony recommends to the Senate that [The Hajj and Umrah (Regulation) Bill, 2023], as passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the Senate, may be passed.

The copy of the Bill is annexed as Flag "A".

Explanation

Explanation

"blacklisting" means to impose a ban on a person or service provider for doing Hajj or Umrah business permanently or for a specific time;

Explanation

"appellate committee" means a committee constituted under this Act to hear and decide appeals against the decision of the complaint disposal committee;

Explanation

"Umrah group organizer" or "UGO"

Explanation

Under The Hajj and Umrah (Regulation) Bill 2023, the Service Provider Agreement (SPA) means:

An agreement signed, executed, or concluded between the concerned division and a company for the operation of Hajj or Umrah.

Explanation

Penalty.-

(1) The CDC may impose a penalty on an HGO or UGO in case of violation of the agreement committed by them.

(2)The major penalty shall include permanent or temporary blacklisting of HGO or UGOs, suspension, cancellation or rescinding of the licence for a specific period, reduction of the Hajj quota for a period decided by CDC; in case of HGOs or forfeiture of the performance guarantee.

(3) The minor penalty shall include a reduction of less than five percent quota in case of HGO for a period as may be decided by CDC, a fine proportionate to the violation, or a warning on account of breach of the clauses of the agreement.

(4) The CDC shall have the authority to pass an order for compensation to the aggrieved pilgrims or intending pilgrims to the extent of the claims that are proved.

Explanation

Accordingly, the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony recommends to the Senate that [The Hajj and Umrah (Regulation) Bill, 2023], as passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the Senate, may be passed.

The copy of the Bill is annexed as Flag "A".

Explanation

"grants" means sums received or transferred into a fund as grants from the Federal Government, a Provincial Government or any organization or person for the Hajj operation fund;