Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has been acquitted in a corruption case related to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). A federal anti-corruption court cleared him of charges in three cases, with Gilani personally attending the hearing.
The case, originally filed in 2009, accused the former prime minister along with senior TDAP officials and other individuals of allegedly granting fraudulent trade subsidies worth billions of rupees to fake companies. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had charge-sheeted him in approximately 25 cases out of over 70 related to the scam.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Gilani stated that the case against him had been ongoing since 2009. He pointed out that those who were once witnesses against him had now become accused and were fleeing the country.
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Gilani also remarked that the case was initially filed by the current allied government, with whom he holds no grievances. He assured full support for the government and reaffirmed his commitment to standing by his principles.
Addressing a recent political development, the Senate chairman mentioned that another Senate member had been detained the previous day. He urged both the federal and Punjab governments to present the detained member before the House. He further stated that if the detained member failed to attend the upcoming parliamentary session, he would issue a production order.
Commenting on the importance of official foreign visits, Gilani expressed concern over talk shows that criticized lawmakers’ tours. He emphasized that such visits were necessary for diplomatic and governmental responsibilities and should not be seen as bringing disgrace to the country.
