Islamabad High Court (IHC) has upheld Former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi’s conviction of in the Hajj corruption case.
The ex-minister was sentenced to 12 years in jail and also fined Rs.140.8 million.
udge Malik Nazir Ahmad from Islamabad’s special court central handed down 12-year imprisonment to Kazmi and 40-year imprisonment to ex-DG Hajj Rao Shakeel Ahmed in Hajj corruption case.
Kazmi, who was elected as MNA on PPP ticket from Multan in 2008 general elections, remained in Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s cabinet as Minister for Religious Affairs, before being sacked by Gilani over Hajj corruption allegations.
Following FIA’s investigation into the scandal, he was accused of misappropriation of public funds while holding the office.
In the court, Kazmi was convicted for acquiring residential buildings for Pakistani pilgrims at exorbitant rates in Saudi Arabia in 2009, taking commission, making advance payments in violation of the policy, causing loss of millions of rupees to national exchequer.
