Though the PM House statement did not mention any reasons it is believed that the Minister of Religious Affairs was fired as serious allegations of corruption in the Hajj this year were levelled against him. – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday sacked Ministers for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati from their offices, a statement from the PM House said.

Though the PM House statement did not mention any reasons it is believed that the Minister of Religious Affairs was fired as serious allegations of corruption in the Hajj this year were levelled against him.

The former Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati and the Minister of Religious Affairs had entered a verbal bout, blaming each other of corruption during the Hajj operations.

The sacked religious affairs minister said he was innocent of any wrongdoing.

“There is no proof of corruption against me... My hands are clean,” Kazmi told a televised public gathering in the eastern city of Lahore.

Prime Minister Gilani has given the additional charge of Religious Affairs to Syed Khurshid Shah, Minister of Labour and Manpower.

While Minister of Information Technology Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali has been given the additional charge of Ministry of Science and Technology. Also the Prime Minister has appointed Makhdoom Shahbuddin as Minister for Defence Production, who will continue to hold his portfolio of the Health Ministry.

Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Agha Sarwar Raza Qazalbash has been directed to report to the Establishment Division, while Secretary Overseas Pakistanis Division Saeed Khan has been appointed Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs. – Agencies