Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani has been acquitted in all cases related to the multi-billion-rupee Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) corruption scandal. The ruling, delivered by the Federal Anti-Corruption Court in Karachi on Friday, clears Gilani of any involvement in fraudulent freight subsidies that were allegedly disbursed to various firms through fake claims.
In a significant legal development, former Prime Minister and current Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani was acquitted in the last 14 pending cases related to the TDAP freight subsidy scandal. The Federal Anti-Corruption Court in Karachi delivered the verdict after considering arguments from both the defense and the prosecution. Gilani had previously been acquitted in 12 similar cases.
Gilani, along with former TDAP Chairman Tariq Iqbal Puri, former Director General Abdul Karim Daudpota, and others, had been accused in over two dozen cases filed in connection with the approval and disbursement of billions of rupees in freight subsidies. The allegations claimed that these subsidies were granted based on fake claims, violating the prescribed procedures.
The charges stemmed from an investigation that began in 2018, which saw formal charges brought against Gilani and several other officials. The case accused them of approving fraudulent claims that caused substantial financial losses. Despite facing these charges, Gilani consistently maintained that the cases were politically motivated.
Speaking outside the courtroom after the ruling, Gilani thanked the court for what he described as “justice” and emphasized that the allegations against him were “baseless.” He also expressed gratitude to his lawyer, Farooq H. Naek, for effectively presenting his case. In his remarks, Gilani noted that those who had once initiated the cases against him were now his allies, but emphasized the need for legal reforms to ensure timely decisions on cases.
Farooq H. Naek, Gilani’s defense lawyer, also spoke to the media, criticizing the politically charged nature of the cases. He pointed out that despite Gilani being granted bail in 10 of the 26 cases filed against him, the FIA had still declared him an absconder. He expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision to clear Gilani of all charges, reinforcing the notion that these cases were politically motivated.
The TDAP scandal had been one of the most high-profile corruption cases in Pakistan’s recent history, involving multiple high-ranking officials. Gilani’s acquittal marks the end of a long legal battle, allowing him to focus on his role as Senate Chairman.
