SC dismisses appeals against acquittal of former minister and others in Hajj corruption case

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2026) The Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed the appeals filed against the acquittal of former Federal Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi, former Director General (Hajj) Rao Shakeel, and former Joint Secretary Aftab Raja in the Hajj corruption case.

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar, heard the case on Thursday.

During the proceedings, the court was informed that the trial court had previously convicted the three accused; however, the High Court had subsequently overturned those convictions and acquitted them. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had challenged the High Court’s acquittal by filing appeals in the Supreme Court.

During the hearing, Justice Hashim Khan Kakar remarked that the accused must have grown old by now. Further comments in the courtroom suggested that some might have passed away or were nearing the end of their lives. The bench also noted that it was unlikely any of the individuals involved would be running for election at this stage.

Advocate Latif Khosa informed the court that the fourth accused in the case, Ahmed Faiz, had already been acquitted. Following the arguments, the Supreme Court dismissed the FIA's appeals against the High Court's acquittal verdict.