The Lahore High Court (LHC) has prohibited private tour operators from taking Hajj applications following the stay order on Hajj quota allocation issued on May 2.
The LHC on Wednesday stayed the process of allocation of Hajj quota to the previously registered Hajj group organisers (HGOs) with the ministry of religious affairs and sought a detailed reply from the ministry. Issuing an interim order, Justice Umar Ata Bandial observed that allocation of quota to only previously registered HGOs was a violation of Hajj Policy 2012. Both new and old operators should be given equal opportunity to apply for the Hajj quota, the judge further observed. The judge stopped the quota allocation process and adjourned hearing of different group operators’ petitions till May 9.
The petitioners through their counsel Muhammad Azhar Siddique submitted that due to unjust distribution of Hajj quota to private tour operators, it had become impossible for the common man to bear Hajj expenses. They said Hajj Policy 2012 had been announced and a plan had been hatched to dish out quota on personal liking and disliking. The petitioners stated that the Supreme Court, in its July 7, 2011 order, had observed that government should observe transparency at the time of making next year (2012) Hajj policy.
