The Lahore High Court Chief Justice on Monday directed Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to probe into the allegations of cartelization and monopolisation by Hajj group organisers in connivance with ministry of religious affairs and submit its report by November 2.
The Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial passed this order in a number of petitions filed by registered Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) challenging the alleged monopoly created by previously-registered organisers. On Monday, Registrar CCP, Ikramul Haq Qureshi, through a written reply informed the court that the petitioners levelled allegations of nepotism and favouritism against the ministry, which did not fall under the purview of the commission.
However, he said the alleged nepotism may result in anti-competitive acts and policies violate to Competition Act 2010 and the same would need to be established after a thorough factual inquiry. He further said that the commission was ready to assist the court with respect to all matters pertaining to competition law and policy. The petitioners counsel, Azhar Siddique, argued that the ministry of religious affairs had created a monopoly in the name of Hajj Policy and limited the allocation of quota among blue eyed tour operators.