LHC bars private tour operators from taking Hajj applications

Justice Umar Ata Bandial had earlier observed allocation of quota only to previously registered Hajj Group Organisers.

LAHORE: Following the stay order issued on May 2 on Hajj quota allocation, the Lahore High Court on Friday barred private tour operators from taking Hajj applications, Express News reported.

Earlier, Justice Umar Ata Bandial had observed that allocation of quota only to previously registered Hajj Group Organisers (HGO) was a violation of the Hajj Policy 2012.

Justice Bandial had said that both new and old operators should have the opportunity to apply for the Hajj quota, and stopped the quota allocation process while adjourning hearing of the petitions till May 9.

Earlier, the petitioners had pleaded that due to unjust distribution of Hajj quota to private tour operators it had become impossible for the common man to bear Hajj expenses.