In a recent development, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has exonerated Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scandal reference. The NAB, in its response submitted to Judge Sheikh Sajjad Ahmad at the Accountability Court on Saturday, stated that no evidence was found against Shahbaz Sharif regarding the misuse of his authority, nor was any malicious intent proven.
The report further emphasized that there was no proof of corruption in the process of awarding the contract for the Ashiana Housing project. It highlighted that the project did not cause any financial loss to the national exchequer, and Shahbaz Sharif did not derive any personal benefits from it.
Additionally, the report clarified that neither the co-accused Kamran Kiani caused any financial loss to the national exchequer, nor did co-accused Fawad Hassan Fawad receive any bribes for the project contract award.
According to the report, Shahbaz Sharif duly referred the matter of awarding the contract to Latif and Sons to the Anti-Corruption Department in accordance with the law. The NAB has now requested the Accountability Court to decide on Shahbaz Sharif’s application based on legal grounds.
In light of these developments, Judge Sheikh Sajjad Ahmad has summoned the lawyers from both sides for further arguments and has adjourned the hearing until the 27th of this month.
This development comes as a significant relief to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, as he has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the Ashiana Housing Scandal reference. The NAB’s findings indicate that there is no substantial evidence to suggest that he misused his authority or had any mala fide intentions.
The Ashiana Housing project, which has been at the center of controversy, faced allegations of corruption and financial irregularities. However, the NAB’s report has dismissed these claims, asserting that the project did not cause any financial loss to the national exchequer. Moreover, it states that the accused individuals, including Shahbaz Sharif, did not personally benefit from the project.
As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the court will interpret the NAB’s findings and whether they will influence the final verdict. The case has garnered significant public attention, and the outcome will undoubtedly have political implications. With the NAB giving a clean chit to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in the Ashiana Housing Scandal reference, the case takes an unexpected turn. As the judicial process unfolds, the final decision of the court will be eagerly awaited by both supporters and critics of the prime minister.