SC issues notices to federal ministers in Hajj scam

SC forms five member bench to probe into Hajj scam seeking replies from concerned individuals.

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday formed a five member bench on the Hajj scam and issued notices to Federal Ministers Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Azam Swati.

The Interior Secretary, Secretary Establishment and the Religous Affairs Secretary have also been summoned by the court.

The controversy regarding the scam first came to light when the religious affairs ministry's secretary Rao Shakeel's name was put on the Exit Control List. It was later removed without any justification. Shakeel was then sent to Saudi Arabia to monitor Hajj affairs.

According to Express 24/7 correspondent Faisal Shakeel, the Secretary for Religious Affairs Rao Shakeel was asked to make an appearance before the court, which sought further information on how he obtained permission to enter Saudi Arabia and how his name was removed from the exit control list.

A Saudi prince had previously written a letter claiming that Pakistani government officials had refused his offer of a cheaper place of accommodation, opting instead for a more expensive residential area. The Chief Justice had taken suo moto notice of the case and the Foreign Office was asked to file its report on the subject.

A five member bench was formed on Friday to probe into the allegations and seek replies from those concerned in the case.

A formal date has not yet been finalised for the case hearing.