Hajj scam: 'There is no proof in allegation against me'
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs says action to be taken against those involved in Hajj arrangement corruption.
MULTAN:
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi on Sunday said there was no proof regarding allegations leveled against him in the Hajj scam.
Addressing a ceremony in Multan, Kazmi said action will be taken against those involved in corruption relating to annual Hajj arrangements.
Kazmi said it was not the religious minister's responsibility to make residential arrangements for pilgrims and also accused the media of launching a campaign against him.
The Minister for religious affairs said he has sent a legal notice to the Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati for accusing him of corruption. He also alleged that the Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia is forcing people to give statements against him.
Swati had accused Hamid Saeed Kazmi of being responsible for the Hajj scam. Swati also alleged that the corruption was carried out under the supervision of the federal government and although the matter was taken up before the prime minister, no action had been taken.
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 subsequently taken suo moto notice of the matter and issued notices to Federal Ministers Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Azam Swati.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi on Sunday said there was no proof regarding allegations leveled against him in the Hajj scam.
Addressing a ceremony in Multan, Kazmi said action will be taken against those involved in corruption relating to annual Hajj arrangements.
Kazmi said it was not the religious minister's responsibility to make residential arrangements for pilgrims and also accused the media of launching a campaign against him.
The Minister for religious affairs said he has sent a legal notice to the Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati for accusing him of corruption. He also alleged that the Pakistani ambassador to Saudi Arabia is forcing people to give statements against him.
Swati had accused Hamid Saeed Kazmi of being responsible for the Hajj scam. Swati also alleged that the corruption was carried out under the supervision of the federal government and although the matter was taken up before the prime minister, no action had been taken.
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 subsequently taken suo moto notice of the matter and issued notices to Federal Ministers Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Azam Swati.