ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on State Owned Enterprises was held, here on Wednesday with Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar in the chair.

The State-Owned Enterprises (Ownership and Management) Policy, 2023, was re-submitted to the committee for review, after incorporation of feedback received from the members of the committee.

The Committee reviewed the changes incorporated in the draft, and recommended the revised policy for the approval of the Cabinet.

This policy marks a crucial step towards enhancing the governance and operations of State-Owned Enterprises, aligning with the broader objectives outlined in the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act, 2023.

Meanwhile, The Federal Cabinet has approved amendments in the Hajj Policy 2024 under which children below ten years of age will also be eligible to perform Hajj.

The Federal Cabinet, which met in Islamabad today, with Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in the chair, also decided to return the un-availed quota of government and private Hajj Schemes to the Saudi Government. Besides, a foolproof monitoring system, as per laws of the Saudi Government, will be in place to regulate financial matters of Hajj Groups organizers.

Flexibility will be allowed with regard to the condition for Hajj Scheme pilgrims of over 80 years of age. However, the private Group Organizer will sign an agreement with the pilgrims to hire local attendants during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This very point will be included in the agreement for provision of services and Hajj Group Organizers found violating this will be fined and black listed.

The Cabinet also approved reduction in hardship Hajj quota. It was decided that fifty percent of local moavineen will comprise Pakistani students studying in Saudi universities and their appointment will be made as welfare staff.