The Federal Anti-Corruption Court in Karachi has acquitted Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in three cases related to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) corruption scandal. Gilani, who appeared in court personally, was informed of the verdict by the presiding judge. He responded to the decision, expressing his lack of fear regarding jail time, saying, “Prison is nothing new for us. If you wish, you may even sentence me to death.”
The court revealed that individuals who had testified against Gilani are now facing legal charges themselves. Along with Gilani, 40 other people were acquitted in these corruption cases. However, Gilani still faces 23 other charges related to the broader TDAP scandal.
Also Read: Pakistan Drops to 135th in 2024 Global Corruption Perceptions Index
The scandal centers around allegations of misappropriation of billions of rupees in trade subsidies, which were reportedly given to fraudulent companies through forged documents and backdated cheques during the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government.
While this ruling offers some relief for Gilani, the multiple remaining cases against him continue to unfold in court.
