The Ministry of Religious Affairs has revealed that it cost Rs 3.06 million to sight moons at four occasions last year,
Lahore (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.
