Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and several other accused individuals were recently acquitted in an illegal recruitments reference related to the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) case. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) court in Karachi heard the case regarding the illegal appointment of the Managing Director of PSO. The court ultimately approved the withdrawal of the application by NAB and directed the case to be remanded to the NAB chairman.
Among those acquitted in this case were former PSO MD Shaikh Imranul Haq, former Secretary Petroleum Arshad Mirza, and former MD Yaqoob Sattar. The decision to acquit these individuals marks a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding this case.
The Accountability Court in Karachi accepted NAB’s request to withdraw the reference regarding illegal recruitment in PSO, signaling a shift in the direction of the case. The court’s decision to send the case back to the NAB Chairman indicates a reevaluation of the evidence and circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who was one of the accused individuals acquitted in this case, expressed his views on the matter outside the court. Abbasi reiterated his belief that NAB should be abolished for the country to progress effectively. He emphasized the need for judicial reforms, highlighting the prolonged nature of politically motivated cases that often result in unnecessary delays.
Abbasi pointed out that the case against him and the other accused individuals was not related to corruption but rather an allegation of misuse of authority. He criticized NAB for dragging the case for over four years and presenting only one witness, questioning the efficiency and fairness of the investigative process.
Having faced a similar case in the NAB court for nine years previously, Abbasi described the acquittal as a „happy day“ but stressed the urgent need for reforms in the flawed judicial system. He expressed his support for any political party committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice for all individuals involved in legal proceedings.
Overall, the acquittal of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the other accused individuals in the illegal recruitments reference related to the PSO case sheds light on the complexities and challenges within the legal system in Pakistan. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and fair treatment in legal proceedings, emphasizing the need for continuous reforms to ensure justice for all.