LAHORE: Reacting to acquittal of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz in money laundering case, PTI termed development a “slap in nation’s face by judicial system”. Commenting on special court’s decision, PTI Chairman Imran Khan told a gathering in Sharaqpur that PM Shehbaz and Hamza’s acquittal has covered up their theft worth billions of rupees.

In a tweet, PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry said that allegedly laundered “Rs24 billion have been passed over for father-son duo”.

“On one hand, they are seeking funds for flood victims. On other hand, one family has looted billions of rupees,” Fawad said that laundered money belonged to people of Pakistan. Taking a jibe at court’s decision, another PTI leader Maleeka Bokhari tweeted that “country’s major criminals” and “convicted thieves” have been “respectfully acquitted” today. While PTI’s Parliamentary Leader in Sindh Khurrum Sher Zaman stated that he was not surprised at acquittal of PM Shehbaz and Hamza.

“Prosecution’s strings are in hands of imported government. We could foresee their purpose of coming into power,” he tweeted, adding that resignation of Federal Investigation Agency’s Director General and absence of a witness is actual sign of favouritism. Earlier, Special Court Central acquitted PM Shehbaz and his son Hamza in Rs 16 billion money laundering case lodged against them by FIA.

Court announced its judgment in case against Shehbaz family after FIA prosecutor informed court that no money was directly deposited in accounts of father-son duo. Sharif’s who were summoned did not appear before court as their counsel filed request for exemption following PM Shehbaz’s busy schedule and Hamza’s ill health.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 12 2022

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