Hajj scam: PM makes ceasefire between Kazmi and Swati
Prim
e Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday directed Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi to take back the Rs100 million compensation notice that Kazmi had sent to Federal Minister of Science and Technology Azam Khan Swati over corruption allegations pertaining to the Hajj arrangements, a private TV reported.
Prime Minister Gilani telephoned both the ministers and directed them to stop issuing statements and remarking against each other in the media. He further directed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, to meet him as soon he arrives in Pakistan and submit a comprehensive report pertaining to the issue.
Prime Minister Gilani said the pilgrims sufferings during Hajj brought bad name to the country. He further said that the government is investigating the allegations.
Earlier today, Hamid Saeed Kazmi had sent a compensation notice of Rs 100 million to Azam Khan Swati, over corruption allegations by the latter on Kazmi regarding embezzlement during Hajj operations. The notice described that Swatis allegations had harmed Kazmis reputation.
Kazmi, in the notice, called upon Swati to either provide evidence against him or compensate.
On the other hand Federal Government decided to take strict action against Federal Secretary, Joint Secretary and Acting DG Hajj hence will be removed on charges of sheer corruption in Hajj arrangements.
According to Media Reports, it has been decided to remove Federal Secretary for Religious Affairs, Joint Secretary Hajj Raja Aftab ul Islam and Acting DG Hajj Sultan Shah respectively on charges of utter corruption.
Sources say that the decision to remove the said personals will be taken when Federal Minister for Religious Affairs will come back to Pakistan.