KARACHI, March 10: Senior Civil Judge, West-III on Monday issued notices to Director Hajj Karachi and Islamabad for March 22 while admitting a suit filed by 55 intending pilgrims for Hajj.

The suit for damages was filed through Manzoor Ahmed Meo Rajput. The counsel for plaintiff maintained before the Civil Judge that the ministry of religious affairs accepted passports after the applicants completed all formalities. Hundreds of pilgrims submitted their documents with a late fee of Rs2,000 till Sept 30 and Rs5000 till Dec 31. The pilgrims also paid for booking of residence as it was a mandatory requirement but suddenly Hajj visas were denied and their papers were returned and as a result, each of them sustained huge financial loss, maintained the counsel for plaintiff.

He prayed to the court to decree suit against the defendants Director Haj, Karachi and Islamabad for damages worth Rs48,500 per intending pilgrim (55 in all) severally.

The Senior Civil Judge, West-III, after hearing the counsel for the plaintiff issued notices for March 22 when formal proceedings in the suit are likely to commence.—APP