Pakistan Indicts Former Officials On Hajj Corruption Charges

In Rawalpindi, Pakistan on Wednesday, a trial court indicted former minister for Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, former Hajj director general Rao Shakeel and former Hajj joint secretary Aftab-ul-Islam Raja in a case charging corruption in connection with administering hajj arrangements.  According to The News and Central Asia Online, the three are charged with arranging housing for Pakistan's Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia at exorbitant rates, taking kickbacks for doing so, and making advance payments in violation of Pakistani policy. It is variously reported that the indictments relate to arrangements in 2009 or in 2010. (See prior related posting.)