Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday directed Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi to take back the Rs100 million compensation notice that Kazmi had sent to Federal Minister of Science and Technology Azam Khan Swati over corruption allegations pertaining to the Haj arrangements.

Prime Minister Gilani telephoned both the ministers and directed them to stop issuing statements and remarking against each other in the media. He further directed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, to meet him as soon he arrives in Pakistan and submit a comprehensive report pertaining to the issue.

Prime Minister Gilani said the pilgrims’ sufferings during Haj brought bad name to the country. He further said that the government is investigating the allegations.

Earlier today, Hamid Saeed Kazmi had sent a compensation notice of Rs 100 million to Azam Khan Swati, over corruption allegations by the latter on Kazmi regarding embezzlement during Haj operations. The notice described that Swati’s allegations had harmed Kazmi’s reputation.

Kazmi, in the notice, called upon Swati to either provide evidence against him or compensate.

Opinion

Enter the deputy PM

Enter the deputy PM

Clearly, something has changed since for this step to have been taken and there are shifts in the balance of power within.

Editorial

All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...
Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...