Hajj scam: FIA seeks explanation from interior minister

Rao Shakil Ahmad was allowed to go to Saudi Arabia despite his name being on the Exit Control List.

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has asked Interior Minister Rehman Malik to explain why he allowed Rao Shakil Ahmad to go to Saudi Arabia, since his name was on the Exit Control List (ECL), The Express Tribune has learnt.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani appointed Ahmad as the Director General (DG) Hajj in Jeddah in 2009-10, where he allegedly embezzled millions of rupees in Hajj affairs. His name was put on the ECL as inquiries against him were pending with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last year.

“Yes we recorded the interior minister’s statement on the position as to what compelled him to allow Rao Shakil to proceed to Jeddah when his name was clearly on the ECL,” DG FIA Wasim Ahmad said while talking to The Express Tribune.

The FIA recorded Malik’s statement on the directions of the Supreme Court.

However, details regarding Malik’s statement have been kept secret. The interior minister’s statement will be produced in the Supreme Court today (Tuesday).

DG FIA Wasim Ahmad will be flying to Jeddah today to expand the ongoing investigation against Ahmad Faiz, the key accused in the Hajj debacle, in an attempt to appease the Supreme Court.

The FIA is under intense pressure from the apex court to nab the culprits in the Hajj scam, prompting the DG to leave for Saudi Arabia in a move to collect irrefutable evidence against the misappropriation committed in arranging pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah.

Faiz is absconding to date despite efforts by the FIA team headed by Khalid Rasool in Saudi Arabia and the collaboration of the Makkah police.

The FIA also recorded the statement of Zain Sukhera in Islamabad on Monday who is reportedly a close friend of Prime Minister Gilani’s son.

“The FIA team is trying its level best to trace Ahmad Faiz, who allegedly embezzled some 19 million Riyals,” a senior official said.

FIA Director Hussain Asghar, who is heading the investigation in Pakistan will most likely be leaving for Saudi Arabia to join Khalid Rasool in Makkah, he added.

However, sources informed The Express Tribune that Asghar would not be able to visit Saudi Arabia due to incomplete documentation.

“The team will hold a meeting with the Kingdom’s interior minister, Prince Nayef within two days to seek his assistance in tracing Ahmad Faiz.”

Meanwhile, officials, who attended the meeting on Monday to compile a detailed report to be submitted before the Supreme Court today, have decided to seek more time from the lager bench hearing the case.

“There is no significant development in Saudi Arabia as Faiz has proved to be quite elusive,” an official seeking anonymity told The Express Tribune.

In compliance with the directions of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Premier Gilani has asked the Religious Affairs Ministry to reimburse 700 Riyals each to over 26,000 pilgrims who suffered because of the inadequate accommodation.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2011.