Supreme Court seeks report on hike in Hajj, Umrah fares

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to submit a comprehensive report till Aug 18 over increase in fares for the people intending to perform Hajj and Umrah.

The three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Ghulam Rabbani on a plea moved by Zulfiqar Bhutta Advocate, also observed in its order that the apex Court on a suo motu case relating to Hajj arrangements corruption case had directed for submission of a report over fares hike but the authorities concerned did not comply with it despite a lapse of one year.

At the outset of proceedings, Zulfiqar Bhutta, appearing in person, maintained that the PIA was charging extra amount from the intending people who proceeded to the holy places.

He said it was done without justification as in ordinary days, the passengers were charged Rs42,000 to Rs43,000 each for economy class whereas for the same destination to Jeddah for intending pilgrims, the fares had been increased by Rs70,000.

The Chief Justice told the counsel that in another case they had sought a report and the respondent contended that it was increased due to fuel and tax adjustment as the special flights had to return empty from the destination.

Bhutta said that it might be for the Hajj flights but not for Umrah.

He said they were making huge profits out of the religious rituals.

The Chief Justice also asked Attorney General Molvi Anwarul Haq to look into the issue personally and apprise the bench on next date of hearing.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011