Religious affairs minister justifies Hajj debacle

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

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.