The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday ordered Religious Affairs Ministry to hold bidding of 910 hujjaj (pilgrims) quota on July 11.
The court directed the ministry to display list of 102 shortlisted Haj Group Organisers (HGOs) eligible to participate in bidding on its website by July 10.
The court also allowed the ministry to include new HGOs in the list, if they fulfill the criteria for the purpose. The single bench, comprising LHC Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, passed the orders on petitions filed by the Travel Shop and others challenging Haj Policy-2013 and allocation of Haj quota.
Additional Attorney General Abdul Hayee Gillani informed the court that the chartered accountants (CAs), engaged by the ministry for selection of new HGOs, asked for 20 days for further short listing.
However, the court observed that the stand taken by the CAs was incomprehensible because each criterion was duly marked and short listing could be done in a short time. The court held that the demand made by CAs showed that they were not working professionally.
The court ordered the religious affairs secretary to submit a report on selection of CAs and stop payment of remuneration to them until next date of hearing.
The court said further that it was necessary that the successful bidders should have time for booking accommodation at the holy places, therefore, the court could not wait for opinion of the CAs.
The petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique pointed out that 66 HGOs were selected by the ministry in 2012 on the basis of criteria laid down in Haj Policy 2012 and it was also adopted in Haj Policy 2013.
The court allowed the said 66 HGOs to participate in the bidding in order to short selection process.
Deputy Secretary Religious Affairs Ministry Farid Khattak, on court directions, placed a list of 58 HGOs which had umrah experience and also relevant qualification. But, a standing counsel pointed out that 22 entries in the latest list also included in the list of HGOs for Haj policy 2012 whereas remaining 36 companies were new entries.
However, the court allowed all 102 HGOs mentioned in both lists to take part in the bidding process, provided that they did not have any disqualification.
Aadjourning the hearing until July 12, the court ordered the ministry to hold bidding on July 11 and appointed two observers as well.
