Pakistan

Religious affairs minister justifies Hajj debacle

Hamid Saeed Kazmi says buildings were rented for pilgrims because nearby apartments were under construction.

Express November 04, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi while speaking regarding the Saudi prince's letter said that buildings were rented for the Hajj pilgrims because the nearby apartments were either under construction or not in a good shape.

He was speaking to the media in Islamabad. Kazmi added that a report has been sent to the Supreme Court and the Foreign Affairs Ministry regarding the letter sent by the Saudi prince which had alleged corruption in the Hajj scheme.

Kazi also announced that he has filed a defamation case of one hundred million rupees. He said a probe was underway to verify the authenticity of the letter.

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.

Prince Khalid had 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.

COMMENTS (15)

RIZWAN mazari | 14 years ago | Reply hamid saeed kazmi may allah bless u

farrukh Awan | 14 years ago | Reply They have returned 3000 riyals to some families of my colleague after the scandal broke. They are now covering it up by shutting the poor people off by giving back the money. Just sad. Just SAD

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Aqib | 14 years ago | Reply Does anyone actually believe that a Saudi Prince would write such a letter? In the wildest of circumstances, this would not happen - as Saudi Arabia is one of the most diplomatic conscious and follows its rules very very diligently. Probably written by one "disgruntled" activist of a particular sect or political party, it is certainly a cheap smear gimmick that should have been trashed by the authorities at the first sight. But as the case, BAD NEWS, and sensational news is what people are actually looking for. Worse than this is that our judiciary fell for it, taking a sou moto notice. We have now a new diplomatic challenge to face, and explain this to the Saudi authorities that we show fake letters on TV, purportedly written by a high ranking Saudi Prince - that we are sorry, we did not do our homework before making a BIG issue out of it! In all thes media frenzy, we have forgotten the fact that the very same minister has highlighted (just 2-3 weeks ago), the irregularities within his department, especially for the Hajj housing.

Mohammed Abbasi | 14 years ago | Reply This is what happens when you mix religion and politics

umar | 14 years ago | Reply We have a saying here in Jeddah in regards to Pakistani Bureaucracy/Politicians the more the ill money the more they come down here for repentance, going back making more money and running back for repentance again, Ultimately U end up seeing the same person here all the time while his proxies keep on making this money for them. We need to borrow Chinese way of governing for a time and give them all the firing squad. And start again with a clean slate.

Rana Amjad | 14 years ago | Reply Jazakallah!

Rizwan T Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Tilsim Good one lol!

luqman ali | 14 years ago | Reply Shame on Ministers........

Nazir Habib | 14 years ago | Reply Trust these "mullas" to give half baked, frivolous and SHOCKING explanations. Just look at his apparel. So neat and clean, starched and colorful, airconditioned office, luxrious office, hearty meals and the list goes on. His explanation is derelict and without substance. From his foto you can see intentions. The saudis should place a ban on him from coming to the kingdom. Why??? because once a mulla, always a mulla. You just cant trust them, save a few. With salams and best wishes to all citizens in this country.

Aamir Ali | 14 years ago | Reply corruption even in Hajj programs......Pakistanis truly have the government they deserve.

Tilsim | 14 years ago | Reply Can't wait to hear religious politicians say that this is a conspiracy by America to make brother fight brother! Money making and Hajj? God forbid.

Najeeb Qazi | 14 years ago | Reply Good to see corruption all around:-o

S. Ali Raza | 14 years ago | Reply Didn't he say that it was a fake letter?

Asif Hanafi | 14 years ago | Reply A defamation case against a Saudi Prince, this should get interesting. Anyhow he didn't really address why they were paying 3,600 riyals when the market rate is around 1,500 riyals. Lets see if this case progresses or is forgotten by the media.

Nadir El-Edroos | 14 years ago | Reply Wow! One hundred millions rupees! Even when utterly ridiculed you find the oppourtunity to make some bucks

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