Arguments on conviction case
to continue.
Hamid Saeed Kazmi, seeking release from jail ahead of Eid.
Kazmi, who is currently serving jail term after he was awarded six-year imprisonment by a trial court in the Hajj corruption case on June 3, has also challenged his conviction separately.
Special Court (Central) Judge Malik Nazir Ahmad had awarded six years imprisonment on two counts to Kazmi, the then DG Hajj, Rao Shakeel, and former joint secretary ministry of religious affairs, Raja Aftabul Islam, and imposed a fine of approximately Rs147. 4 million each. IHC Chief Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi reserved the verdict after counsel for Kazmi, Latif Khosa and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor Azhar Chaudhry concluded arguments on the bail application.
Khosa argued that his client had already spent two years and four months in jail and would serve the remaining period, if not acquitted by the (appellate) court, adding that if the court sets aside the trial court’s order then there would be no remedy available for him for the time he had already spent in jail.
He argued that Kazmi had been punished for his role of a supervisor and it was as if the prime minister was arrested for corruption of a clerk deputed at the secretariat.
Hajj corruption case: Former religious minister’s conviction challenged
Khosa said Kazmi had no role in hiring buildings for the pilgrims and there was no charge against him of receiving commission or kickbacks.
He said that the Saudi government returned 6.65 million Saudi riyal to pilgrims due to the efforts of Kazmi.
Countering the arguments, the FIA prosecutor, Azhar Chaudhry said that Kazmi had gone to Saudi Arabia for reviewing the arrangements made for the pilgrims.
He said that Kazmi approved under construction buildings that lacked washrooms for the pilgrims in connivance with his frontman, Ahmed Faiz.
Chaudhry also submitted photos of Kazmi meeting with Faiz in Saudi Arabia.
He said that the convicts caused a loss of Rs1.0888 billion to the treasury, adding that the Saudi government returned Rs5,000 to every pilgrim after the Supreme Court took notice of the issue and Kazmi had no role in it.
Following the arguments, the court reserved verdict on the bail application.
Separately, both the parties argued on Kazmi’s main petition challenging his sentence.
The parties would continue to argue on the main case.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2016.
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