ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Friday gave its verdict in the Haj corruption scam of 2010 and asked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against politicians and the government officials who tried to manipulate the investigation process, DawnNews reported.

The Supreme Court on the Haj corruption case 2010 issued its judgment today.

The apex court ordered the FIA in its decision to carry out thorough investigation of this case and to ascertain that tangible steps are taken to root out corruption in procedures of pilgrimage in future.

It was also reflected in the court order that the government should issue guidelines for Haj procedures.

Furthermore it was said that in 2010, the extra amount of five thousand rupees taken from the Hajis by Haj tour operators involved in the scam should be returned to them and on which basis the extra charges were taken.

The Haj scandal had surfaced in 2010 after then Minister for Science and Technology Azam Swati hurled allegations against Ministers for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi of corruption following which the Supreme Court in 2010 took suo moto notice of the case.

The scandal had prompted former prime minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to sack both Kazmi and Swati from their offices.

Hamid Saeed Kazmi was released on bail in August 2012, after 17-month incarceration.

The apex court recorded its decision on Nov 20 after hearing the case for a span of nearly three years.