Pakistan

Saudi prince’s charges against ministry referred to FO

SC tells govt to take up embezzlement matter after Saudi prince points out financial irregularities.

Qaiser Zulfiqar November 04, 2010

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday told the government to take up the Religious Affairs Ministry embezzlement matter up to the national level after a Saudi prince pointed out financial irregularities in the Hajj scheme of Pakistan's Ministry of Religious Affairs in a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry.

The SC has also directed the Foreign Office to contact the Saudi government over this issue.

Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, in the letter accused the minister for Religious Affairs of embezzlement and has recommended that the court take notice of the issue.

Under the Religious Affairs’ ministry’s Hajj scheme, the pilgrims were charged more for the residences rented by the ministry near Makkah and Madina, the letter states.

Prince Khalid said that the ministry rented residences for pilgrims during Hajj for up to 3,600 riyals while the prices are actually around 1,500 riyals, adding that he had offered lower rates to the ministry but his quotation was rejected.

The Supreme Court has taken suo-moto notice of the issue and the Apex Court has asked for a reply from the ministry within 15 days.

However, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi, while addressing a National Assembly session earlier today (Wednesday) said that he had not been made aware of the letter by his ministry.

Kazmi said that he had not received a notification from the court.

Meanwhile, a three-member committee, on the directives of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, has been formed to probe the allegeations of misappropriation of funds by the Religious Affairs ministry.

Earlier, the Senate and Parliamentary Committee on Religious Affairs expressed their reservations over the costly residences.

The DG Hajj, Rao Shakeel, was also called back over corruption charges of millions of rupees and suspended by the federal government on the advice of the committee.

Ministry of Religious Affairs terms letter fake

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has termed the letter being attributed to the Saudi prince as fake. The secretary said that the Saudi prince cannot place such a complaint, adding that the ministry had received no offer from the Saudi prince.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4th, 2010.

COMMENTS (43)

m | 13 years ago | Reply 'fake' mullahs - taking religion for a ride

wadi | 14 years ago | Reply most peoplre are not corupt all government employee are corupt in all developing countries it is the PMLN and its cronies who have whipped up a hysteria of coruption to drag this government down

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kamran | 14 years ago | Reply im so dissapointed - just cant get my head around this, why pakistanis are such corrupt nation. Im a pakistani too, living in UK but have always supported our nation, but seems to me all people are corrupt!

Mohammed Abbasi | 14 years ago | Reply Why is this a suprise? A Mullah is a Mullah

- H Sheikh | 14 years ago | Reply Proves that even the ministry of Religious Affairs is not immune to this menace of corruption! and on the auspicious occasion of Hajj! impressive!

Farooq | 14 years ago | Reply I read a report that says an average Pakistani MNA spends almost Rs.20 Million rupees on election campaign in our desi styled democracy, you think our respected religious minister doesnt have a right to recover that amount and also make some profit as well? these poor politicians have only 5 years to earn profits (some times military dictators remove there democratic governments without caring for a loss that runs into billions all over Pakistan, all borne by our Democrates, its a shame for the military dictators and I want to condemn them all) Be reallistic he has spent a huge amonut? you think it was for a charity cause? Come on stop rediculing him its the system in land of pure.

ISA | 14 years ago | Reply Court must take serious action to discourage such corrupt practices which are on increase day by day.

Najeeb Qazi | 14 years ago | Reply In the wake of all that I justify myself to see the holy religion of Islam and the corrupt to the core state of Pakistan by contrast!

Shaheryar khan | 14 years ago | Reply The Saudi Govt is a monarch. and the corruption and crime rate in KSA is far low there then in any country in world. The prince has rightly pointed out the criminal. hundreds of Hujjaj had al-ready reported this issue to Govt. but Govt is not listening. I believe this crime is far worst, bringing embarrassment on such big and pious event.

Faisal Amjad | 14 years ago | Reply Bravo - spare no place and time to fill up their coffers and inadvertently also their hell - may their soul rot in fire

Ibrar Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @Aristo the judges sitting in the courts are no different than the knee-jerk reactions lobby. Did not you hear that a few days back the SC assembled at midnight and passed a restraining order against the government on the basis of a rumour???

Maximus | 14 years ago | Reply Theft from Hajis, a new low for the govt!

Rizwan T Khan | 14 years ago | Reply And we call ourselves a very pious, upright and non corrupt nation. Also, even the foreigners know the capabilities of Zardari and Gillani that the prince had to write directly to SC LOL!. Few months back someone attacked the convey of Hamid Saeed Kazmi but he survived. I was glad that the Minister made through. Now I regret why did he.

Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @ Mubarik " Mullahs are already selling religion to make a living, " brilliantly said ! BRAVO ! , this one sentence in a nutshell describe the complete religious problems of Pakistan!

Salim Ansari | 14 years ago | Reply It is a well known historical fact that millions people in South Asia converted to Islam during Muslim rule for economic reasons ( take the religion of the ruler ). There is historical precedent to show that loss of identity leads to the ultimate collapse of society. This process is accelerated when symbols associated with the perceived power of the changed identity (Islam in this case) show signs of decline. The beginnings of a collapse are indicated by rampant violence and the breaking of all laws by all, bar none. What you are witnessing in Pakistan is essentially the beginning of the collapse of society. The unabating violence, corruption by the military, "tainted" religious leaders are all signs of an impending doom. Contrast this to predominantly Hindu India. They stuck on to their religion and culture and did not feel the need to become Muslims. As a result, they have nothing to prove to anybody, including themselves what their identity is. ( i.e they do not have to prove to the Arab that they are as Muslim as any other Arab ) This is why India is more stable than Pakistan. While Pakistani's debate on whether to be a Muslim or Pakistani first, Indians always identify themselves by their country. Why ? The reason is simple => country = culture = religion = identity.

Shabbir | 14 years ago | Reply Last month few of pakistani cricketers were caught red handed on tape for corruption today they are giving statement in news that they were discriminated and we believe them. Nobody ask to audit them. Same with politicals leaders tomorrow even if elect another set of leaders this all same corrupt people will come on media and will say that they are discriminated.

Akhtar | 14 years ago | Reply chief justice ha made a fool of himself.He has as usual jumped upon the opportunity to prove that he is an alternative government he has no authority to act on an application which most probably is fraudulent and only to discredit a lawful govenNment .why do crazed people have to accept every thing alleged by any body any where in the world this man is overstepping his mark and is a danger to democracy he has allegation of coruption against him and should resign and face a court of law himself

Mubarik | 14 years ago | Reply "Every body has a right to corruption". This is what was said by federal minister. Bearded brigade also needs money to live a lavish life style. Mullahs are already selling religion to make a living, so no body should be surprised hearing this news.

Umayr Masud | 14 years ago | Reply You know whats ironic (and funny) , the Chief Justice of Supreme Court has taken notice of a letter and issued directives, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has termed the letter as a fake. Which means that the Chief Justice has not done due diligence. Which in turn means they have just accused rather made a serious offense of Contempt of Court. I don't really understand what kind of idiots are running the bureaucratic system.

anis qureshi | 14 years ago | Reply Mullahs are the most corrupt these days but they try to hide under the umbrella of islam. Every body would be surprised at the level of their corruption if investigated. They blackmail judiciary, politicians and innocent humans beings. They are funded by Saudis, china and other countries.

Salim Ansari | 14 years ago | Reply Mullahs will themselves be responsible for the demise of Islam in Pakistan.

Akhtar | 14 years ago | Reply It is wrong to presume that any judge is honest Please go round and try to find an honest judge Please publish his name all Asian people in any kind of authority are corrupt

Akhtar | 14 years ago | Reply Well why hasn't this so called prince taken any action against the Saudi people who were involved in this so called corruption Is this letter to chief justice not a drone attack challenging the sovergnity of Pakistan All some people want is to find some thing to prove that their government is corrupt well you will have a chance to vote them out. Do Saudi people have a chance to vote out their government and in the list of corrupt countries Saudi Arabia is not in a place of pride

Awara | 14 years ago | Reply Forget about what the west thinks of pakistan, now we cant show our face to the muslim nations. When will all of this end?

Afzal Ali | 14 years ago | Reply The head of the Department ie the Minister and the Federal Secretary should immidiatey resign. They should be ashamed . DG Haj Rao Shakeel should be arrested and put on ECL. Mr PM please wake up.................... We as nation are being made laughing stock of the world. Now one should know why the International community are not giving money to the Governemnt of Pakistan Sindh assembly wake up and see this; yesterday the passed a resolution against Transpirancy International. Do not be surprised if the pass another resolution against the Saudi prince. Our Salams to the brave Saudi prince for caring about the people of Pakistan

Nisar Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Corruption is a dangerous disease, a menace with a cancerous growth...once it creeps into a society damages the social fabric and ruins the moral, cultural as well as the religious values. Our society is unfortunately a corruption-prone society where every one (from top to the bottom) is involved in corruption, embezzling, and in the activities of mal-practicing at all levels. Every department, whether it is governmental or Non-Gov, is deeply drenched in this filth.. However, one hopes that the Judiciary led by Chudhary Iftikhar could help the country to come out from the dark prospects of chaos and confusion that has terribly overwhelmed the nation...

nasim ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply one should not be surprised while every other ministry is milking the cow how ceome the ministry of religious affairs be left out besides haj is the only season when they can make good money keep it up.You also deserve the second term under the honest leadership of Pres Zardari

Usman | 14 years ago | Reply Yet another reason to make me proud of being a Pakistani!

Muhammad Ziad | 14 years ago | Reply Halwa Addict !

Amer | 14 years ago | Reply @Aristo: Oh give us a break will you! Don't be so retarded to say that everyone who commented here must have done some corruption too. That's just an insane comment... How in the world do you know if we even like in the land of the pure or I am writing this from the Arctic Circle? Ofcourse he is guilty until proven innocent :) and by the way his & family's Hajj would NOT be accepted if it's from the taxes of the people or from the 'profits' of the Hajj ministry, rest is up to Allah. I am sure this will not go unnoticed on the day of judgement when he and every other crony of the political mafia will have to answer for all their corrupt practices. The accusation is coming from the Saudi government and I was a little surprised (& glad) that they contacted the CJ directly. They will surely provide documented evidence to back their claims and they have NO reason to put these accusations without proof, in the first place. JazakAllah Hamid Kazmi Sahab!!

UK Dogar | 14 years ago | Reply Agree with Amer. It is not surprising………. Now they will try their best to prove this letter fake and waste other millions to defend this accusation that will end up with government version, “We can not take action against culprits for the sake of keeping DEMOCRACY on the track.”

Farooq Khalid | 14 years ago | Reply Waow, Religious Affairs Ministry is having their share from the pockets of Hajjis.

Raj | 14 years ago | Reply Minister Kazmi replied that he is not aware about the matter. It showed that he is not capable to hold this office. He should resigned from Ministry.

A Suhail | 14 years ago | Reply It doesn't stop here. Maulvi saheb is taking his whole family for hajj this year at......... you guessed it "our expense" which means government expense. On a lighter note he reminds me of the notorious pirate "Red Beard".

Aristo | 14 years ago | Reply Did any body read the heading of the article, it says "accused". All knee jerk reactions as usual. It is certain, all who have said wicked things in the comments above are no saints either, they must have been involved in sort of corruption at their respective levels. He is innocent until proven guilty. Let the SC decide, thank God you people are not the judge.

Copper | 14 years ago | Reply JazakAllah Hamid Kazmi saheb!!

Syed Nadir El-Edroos | 14 years ago | Reply Guess a well groomed beard doesnt equate with piousness

Ali | 14 years ago | Reply They were like this during Zia era and got Pakistan into a problem due to their stupid deeds with a dictator and they keep on. They have defamed Islam and Pakistan everywhere. Inshallah Allah will take care of every action on the day of judgement

Chana | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan KHAPPAY !

KM | 14 years ago | Reply AND the PM says that I will NOT dissolve the assemblies, and so doesnt want disruption. What will ever happen to those and their families who are involved in this scam???

Tahir | 14 years ago | Reply How low can our religious ministry get? I would love to see the report of this "committee" formed by PM.

Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply MashaAllah.....

Amer | 14 years ago | Reply Corruption even in the Religious Affairs’ ministry!!! Nothing seems to surprise us nowadays. Just a Shame on how low these corrupt people can get...

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