LAHORE: The Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, Umar Atta Bandial resumed hearing the haj quota case on Thursday, DawnNews reported.

At the start of the hearing, the Ministry for Religious Affairs submitted a request to postpone the deadline to submit their reply to the court by another seven days. During the previous hearing, the court had sought replies from the respondents by Aug 15.

The court inquired the respondents about the Haj pilgrims who experienced problems while performing their Haj and who they could contact if they needed help. The ministry’s joint secretary replied that there are appropriate forums available to deal with complaints.

Moreover, he added that action would be taken against the responsible Haj tour operators.

Earlier it had been reported that the counsel for the petitioners, Advocate Siddique had asserted that the ministry had been unfair in meting out disciplinary action towards the established Haj tour operators.

The court had directed the ministry to divide a quota of 3,000 Haj pilgrims amongst the 100 registered private Haj tour operators who pay timely taxes.

The chief justice subsequently adjourned Thursday’s proceedings, postponing the next hearing of the case to Aug 15, 2012.