ISLAMBAD: On Monday, a court of accountability cleared former finance minister Ishaq Dar and his co-accused of all charges related to the concealment of assets.
The citation was picked up by Judge Muhammad Bashir.
After reviewing the statement from the National Accountability Bureau, the accountability court decided to sever ties with the organisation.
In a written presentation to the court, NAB Prosecutor Afzal Qureshi argued that there was insufficient proof of corruption to warrant continuing the case. To paraphrase NAB’s position, “NAB has no objection if the court acquits the accused.”
Referencing assets beyond recognised sources of income, Judge Bashir ruled against Dar.
Saeed Ahmed, Mansoor Raza, and Muhammad Naeem, three other former officials at the National Bank of Pakistan, were also exonerated by the court.
After hearing the statement from the NAB prosecutor, the court made a quick decision dismissing the case.
In a written declaration submitted on behalf of NAB Prosecutor General Syed Ehtesham Qadir Shah, NAB Prosecutor Qureshi remarked, “We had already given a statement that NAB has no objection to the acquittal of Ishaq Dar.” If the court finds them not guilty, there is no need for the matter to be extended, and there is no opposition to this.
Qazi Misbah Advocate, who represents the ex-finance minister, said that charges have been brought. Since the court has already said in a previous decision that there is no evidence in this matter, the case is being closed at this time. Dar ought to be exonerated if the accusation against him is unfounded.
The court first reserved its verdict but then reversed its decision in light of NAB’s statement.
As a result of the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling, a case involving assets outside transparent revenue sources was initiated.
