Hajj operations: LHC orders probe into distribution of quotas

CCP to inquire into ‘illegal cartelisation’ of private Hajj tour operations.

LAHORE:

Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial on Monday ordered the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to hold an inquiry into “illegal cartelisation” of private Hajj tour operations which discourages new entrants.

Hearing a contempt of court petition against the religious affairs minister, Justice Bandial said an inquiry was required to ascertain the level of competition allowed amongst tour operators.

The petition, moved by New Hajj Group Organisers, claimed that existing tour operators, in connivance with the religious affairs ministry, had established a cartel through unjust distribution of quotas.

Representing the petitioners, Advocate Azhar Siddique submitted that the Hajj Policy 2012 had been sent to the federal government for approval and a plan had been hatched to award Hajj quotas to blue-eyed tour operators.

The counsel for the petitioners argued that, last year the ministry and 726 tour operators had pleaded that Hajj pilgrims had already deposited money and their names had been communicated to Saudi authorities.

The court adjourned the case till November 12.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2012.