LHC takes notice of increase in Hajj expenses

The Lahore High Court Chief Justice here Friday sought reply from secretary religious affairs by March 16 challenging increase in expenses of Hajj. The petitioner, a bar member Azhar Saddique, contended that respondent ministry has increased expenses of Hajj in worth of rupees 58 thousand unnecessarily.
He contended that due to Hajj policy 2011 a number of scandals appeared in ministry and matter went to the court. He said court had directed the respondent ministry to format Hajj policy before Hajj in 2012 but respondent minister instead of abiding by the court orders increased Hajj expenses illegally and unnecessary. He, therefore, prayed the court to direct the respondent ministry to withdraw the increment. The court after hearing the petitioner's counsel at length issued notice to secretary religious affairs and directed him to submit his reply by next date of hearing.