Hajj corruption scam: bail applications of Kazmi, Aftab rejected

The Supreme Court rejected bail applications of former Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Aftab-ul-Islam Joint Secretary of the ministry in Hajj corruption scam on Tuesday. A two-member bench comprising Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany was hearing two criminal petitions in bail matters.
Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Aftab-ul-Islam, who had filed bail applications, argued that the challan submitted before the trail court trial was incomplete and he should be released. The Federation opposed the application as the Additional Attorney General K K Agha delivered arguments against the bail application whereas he also submitted written reply in the court.
Shaukat Ali Mehar and Zulfiqar Abbass Naqvi were the counsels of Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Aftab-ul-Islam who contended that after investigating the matter incomplete challans were submitted to the trial court where no trial was initiated so far so they should be granted bail.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja said in his remarks that nearest places hiring for pilgrimage were planned according to the Hajj Policy but buildings were hired two kilometres away from the selected place, which was clear violation of the Hajj Policy. Justice Khawaja said it was amazing that Hamid Saeed Kazmi did not bother to know about a person Ahmed Faiz who was designated as organiser of residencies in Mecca and Medina.
On the occasion, K.K Agha Additional Attorney General told the bench that Hamid Saeed Kazmi recommended a person Ahmed Faiz for blue passport, adding that except Former Federal Minster for Hajj Hamid Saeed Kazmi the Former State Minister Shugftta Jamani was also involved in the scam where both were considered to be responsible of mismanagement in the Hajj arrangement in 2010.
K K Agha added that Hajj Policy was intentionally violated and government will not protect the corrupt elements. Justice Khawaja said in his remarks that what kind of governance was prevailing as those who are meant to protect the country were involved in the mega corruption scams, adding that why Shugftta Jamani was not nominated in the case. Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani said in his remark that Rao Shakeel was appointed as Director General Hajj because his cases were pending in the NAB. The court rejected the bail applications after hearing the arguments.