Karachi: An Accountability Court (AC) issued detailed verdict regarding transferring of an LNG reference against former Prime M Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to special judge central. Accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir issued written order. It stated that accountability court had no authority to hear this case as per law. Court said that five accused in case had filed acquittal pleas and counsels of other accused also raised questions on jurisdiction of accountability court.

It said that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had not filed an acquittal plea in case. However, his lawyer also gave arguments regarding maintainability of case under NAB amendments.

Order said that all accused had been indicted in case. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was accused of misusing his powers to benefit co-accused. It further said that there was no evidence regarding receiving any amount illegally. Reference fell under Section-V of Anti-Corruption Act 1947, it added.

Court said that accountability court couldn't even hear cases under Anti-Money Laundering Act 2010, adding that only special judge central could hear such cases now. It said that prosecutor was also of view that accountability court had no jurisdiction in this case. Therefore, LNG reference was shifted to court of Special Judge Central. Court instructed investigation officer to submit case record to said court for further proceedings.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 24 2023

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