The Lahore High Court on Wednesday stayed allocation of Hajj quota among previously registered Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) and sought a detailed reply from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial observed that allocation of quota to only previously registered HGOs was a violation of Hajj Policy 2012. Both new and old operators should have the opportunity to apply for the Hajj quota, he said. The judge stopped the quota allocation process and adjourned hearing of the petitions till May 9.
The petitioners submitted that due to unjust distribution of Hajj quota to private tour operators it had become impossible for the common man to bear Hajj expenses.
The petitioners prayed to the court to direct respondents to associate the stake holders and non-governmental associations for making the Hajj policies friendly, based on transparency and to cancel any Hajj quota allocations made on other than merit.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2012.
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