Parliamentary Delegation Proposed to Visit Prophet’s Shrine in Saudi Arabia at Government Expense

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Religious Affairs has proposed sending a parliamentary delegation to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) shrine in Madinah at government expense to convey the greetings and salutations of the Pakistani people.

The proposal was discussed in a committee meeting chaired by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Shagufta Jamani. The delegation, which will include members’ families, will also perform Umrah on behalf of the nation. In the absence of the National Assembly Speaker, the Standing Committee Chairperson will lead the delegation.

Committee member Ejaz-ul-Haq suggested increasing the delegation size from seven to ten members. The Speaker of the National Assembly will nominate delegation members, and in his absence, the committee chair will lead.

Shagufta Jamani emphasized that the delegation should travel under the National Assembly’s umbrella, with expenses borne by the assembly. Members’ relatives included in the delegation would cover their own costs. The committee also recommended accommodating the delegation in hotels until the completion of Pakistan House in Saudi Arabia and coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for “State Guest” status.

Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf endorsed the proposal, stating that the delegation’s visit would be an honor and that conveying the nation’s salutations at the Prophet’s shrine justifies the government expenditure. The Ministry of Religious Affairs assured that medical and other facilities will be arranged in Madinah and Makkah, with transport support provided by the Pakistan Hajj Directorate in Jeddah.

The committee also recommended organizing an annual Seerat (life of the Prophet) conference, continuing the practice initiated by the National Assembly resolution to send delegations to Madinah.