Islamabad: National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) expressed "Serious concerns" about rejection of female candidate for Hajj Director General (DG)'s position, allegedly on basis of her gender.

In December, Saima Sabah BS-20 officer of Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service, contended in petition to Islamabad High Court (IHC) that she had secured first position in written test for position by obtaining 71 marks out of 100 but was dropped due to gender discrimination.

She had requested court to direct religious affairs ministry to declare her successful candidate and issue her notification for appointment of DG Hajj accordingly.

Petition alleged "Minister in charge of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony passed strange remarks against gender of petitioner" during interview proceedings.

Along with her petition, she had also submitted transcript of alleged interview.

However, single member IHC bench had dismissed her petition, after which Sabah had filed an intra-court appeal. High Court reserved its decision in case.

Addressing matter, NCHR said eligibility criteria for position of Hajj Director General did not exclude women and while noting that Saba was highest-scoring candidate for job with 71 marks.

It said that there existed precedent of woman serving as Saudia Arabia's DG Hajj for 19 months so "Why should Pakistan impose restrictions on best qualified candidate Saima Sabah just because she is woman?"

In follow-up tweet, Commission said that while Saudia Arabia was encouraging women to manage Hajj pilgrims, Pakistan's religious affairs ministry was "Rejecting qualified candidates on basis of gender".

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 01 2023

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