The Ministry of Religious Affairs has revealed that it cost Rs 3.06 million to sight moons at four occasions last year,
Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th April, 2019) Sighting of the crescent has been costing
millions to the national exchequer.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has revealed that it
cost Rs 3.06
million to sight moons at four occasions last year, including Ramzan, Shawal (Eid ul fitr),
Muharram and Zilhaj (Eid ul Azha).
Briefing a
National Assembly session, the Religious Affairs Ministry said that Rs 3.24
million was allocated to Ruet-e-Hilal committee in 2017-18.
At least Rs 3.06
million was used in the stay and travelling expenses of the committee members.
Moreover, each member was given Rs 1000 in conveyance allowance and
mobile phone charges.
These allowances are equal to the privileges granted to a Grade-20 joint secretary.
Earlier on Thursday,
Federal Minster for Religious affairs told the
parliament that the Central
Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was set up in 1974 under a
resolution passed by the
National Assembly of
Pakistan,
During a question hour, the minister said that the purpose of the central Ruet committee was to celebrate religious festivals with unanimity in the country.
He said the core objective of the committee was to determine the appearance of
moon and announcement of each Islamic month regularly.
After thorough assessment by the technical experts, the central Ruet-e-Hilal committee always
try to ensure celebrations of Islamic festivals including beginning of Ramazan-ul-mubairk on the
same day to achieve harmony thought-out the country.
"Unfortunately, some private committees always opposed the decisions of central ruet sabotaging the national
unity" the minister said.
Giving details of the appointments of member of the committee, the minster said that they are appointed on three years term which is extendable.
He said the present Ruet committee was appointed in 2010 and since than working on extension in their period of appointment.
He said the
government wanted to active zonal and provincial ruet committees because the announcement Ramazan and two Eid's was a major responsibility of central Ruet committee.
"We need legislation on the issue which after 18th amendment the federal
government cannot do alone" said the minster adding the
Sindh Assembly had passed a
resolution for effective central ruet committee whereas the response
from other provinces is yet to be awaited.
The
government wants to celebrate religious festivals with unanimity and national harmony and this regard the
media is also needs to be taken on
board to put an end to controversies.