The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other co-accused in the Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme case have been cleared of any wrongdoing. This development comes shortly after their recent acquittal in a money laundering case. In a detailed report submitted to the accountability court, NAB stated that Shehbaz did not obtain any personal benefit from government funds or misuse his public office in relation to the housing project.
Background of the Ashiana Scandal:
The Ashiana scandal surfaced in 2018 when NAB accused Shehbaz, then the opposition leader, of canceling a contract awarded to Chaudhry Latif and Sons for the Ashiana-i-Iqbal Housing Scheme. NAB alleged that this cancellation led to the subsequent awarding of the contract to Lahore Casa Developers, a proxy group of Paragon City Private Limited, resulting in a loss of Rs193 million. Shehbaz was also accused of directing the Punjab Land Development Company to assign the project to the Lahore Development Authority, causing a loss of Rs715 million and the failure of the project.
NAB’s Clean Chit:
NAB’s report states that Shehbaz referred the matter to the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment “in accordance with the law and without any malafide intent.” The report further emphasizes that the offense of misusing office is not established under the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999. The allegations against other co-accused, including Fawad Hasan Fawad and Ahad Khan Cheema, have also been dismissed, with NAB stating that they were not involved in causing any financial loss or embezzlement of funds.
Absence of Government Funds Misuse:
According to NAB, neither the accused nor the contractor derived any benefit from government funds or expenditures in the Ashiana case. While acknowledging some procedural flaws in the formulation of the request for proposal (RFP) and the subsequent contract award, NAB asserts that these shortcomings were not intentional or with malafide intent. The report concludes that no public office holder obtained pecuniary benefits by misusing their official positions and no loss was caused to the government exchequer.
Request for Accountability Court Decision:
Having presented new and additional evidence, NAB has requested the accountability court to make a decision on Shehbaz’s acquittal plea in accordance with the law. The court will now deliberate on the matter and assess the findings and arguments put forth by NAB before reaching a verdict.
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The clearance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other co-accused in the Ashiana Housing Case by NAB raises questions about the allegations initially leveled against them. As the accountability court reviews the case, it will consider the evidence and arguments presented by both sides to determine whether the charges should be dismissed or if further legal action is warranted. The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the individuals involved and the broader political landscape in Pakistan.
