SC suspends LHC order on selection of Hajj assistants

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court of Pakistan Wednesday suspended the Lahore High Court’s order regarding the selection of Hajj assistants. A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Atta Bandial conducted hearing of the petition filed against the LHC decision to impose a ban on selection of Hajj assistants. During the hearing, additional attorney general informed that these assistants are hired for the services of Hajj pilgrims and it is also one of the requirements by the Saudi government. The ban is affecting the hajj arrangements; the court was told. When the chief justice inquired about the hiring procedure of Hajj assistants and remuneration paid to them, the additional attorney general said that the government departments are asked for the names and they are responsible to pay them for their services. The government representative said   if the High Court’s order is not suspended, it would create problems for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims. The court remarked that it usually does not interfere in higher court’s interim orders but it is making an exception for the sake of pilgrims and suspending the LHC’s order. Later, the court adjourned the hearing indefinitely in this matter.