The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to submit, within 15 days, its policy for private Haj tour operators. A three-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Nawaz Abbasi, Justice Faqir Muhammad Khokhar and Justice Mian Hamid Farooq adjourned the hearing for two weeks.
Earlier, on May 7 the court had sought explanation from the government about what steps it had taken to deal with irregularities by private Haj operators. In this respect, the court had summoned Ministry of Religious Affairs Secretary to appear on May 26 and give details regarding the Ministry's strategy regarding private Haj tour operators.
Advocate Dr Babar Awan appeared as counsel for the petitioners. He said that the Ministry should unveil its policy, as early as possible, because the Haj season was nearing.
Talib Rizivi, counsel for the Ministry, did not appear, due to his illness, and filed an application seeking adjournment. Babar objected over the application and said the Court should take serious action on this (adjournment) as it was an attempt to make the legal system subservient to bureaucracy.
At this point the court said that it would not allow the Ministry to adjourn the matter any further. The Ministry should submit its policy in 15 days, so that a conclusion could be reached.
Comments
Comments are closed.