ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has prepared a list of charges against former religious affairs minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi for alleged corruption in arrangements made in Saudi Arabia for Pakistani Haj pilgrims last year.According to sources, the charges will be presented in the Supreme Court at the next hearing of the case.

Mr Kazmi has pleaded on the media and in the court that he had no role in what is described as ‘Haj scam’.

The FIA froze three foreign currency bank accounts of Mr Kazmi in Multan on Jan 25. He had earlier denied having any foreign currency account.

But, talking to Dawn, he said: “I opened a foreign currency account because I have to make some transactions with my brother who lives in Britain.

But I have made no significant transaction so far.”

According to FIA sources, Mr Kazmi has about 20,000 pounds in an account in the Faysal Bank.

The sources said State Bank’s help had been sought to trace the accounts.

Mr Kazmi said he held a foreign currency account before becoming a minister. “Where can I take my bank account if I am accused of beinginvolved in the scam,” he said.

About the two other accounts, he said he could not recall having them. “The accounts might have been opened by a relative of mine who hadworked in different banks and died three years ago.”

Under the Haj policy, the government had agreed to provide accommodation within 2km of the Haram Sharif. But most pilgrims had to stay in buildings three to eight kilometres from the Haram.