ISLAMABAD / AMN
A former Pakistan’s minister for religious affairs, Hamid Saeed Kazmi, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for corruption in Hajj management.
The verdict was announced Friday by Special Judge Central Islamabad Malik Nazir Ahmad during the proceedings of the Hajj corruption case today at a court in Islamabad. Former DG Hajj Rao Shakeel has been sentenced to 30-years imprisonment by the court. Former Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Aftab Ahmed was also handed a 12-year imprisonment sentence.
Deputy Director FIA Waseem Ahmad Ranjha and lawyer Chaudhry Azhar represented the FIA during the proceedings of the case.
The suspects are accused of being involved in financial embezzlement and corruption with regard to the 2010 Hajj arrangements. FIA prosecutor Waseem Ahmed informed FIA authorities about the decision.
All three suspects were arrested within the court’s limits by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Rao Shakeel said that he was not satisfied with the court’s judgment and had full faith in the Almighty.