IHC gives detailed verdict in Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s bail case

The Islamabad High Court on Friday gave the detailed verdict on Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s bail in the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) reference case, reported 24News HD TV channel. 

According to the court decision, the NAB could not tell why it was important to keep Shahid Khaqan in detention. More investigations are needed to determine whether LNG Terminal was in the interest of the public or not.

The court ruled that it was not the jurisdiction of the NAB whether Shahid Khaqan got financial benefits or not as well as whether there was contention about any misappropriation. LNG terminals’ approval was given by proper forums, the court said. 

According to the decision, an American aid institution had given the fee to the LNG consultant and the NAB failed to present any record of appointment of the consultant. The consultant was appointed as a result of correspondence between the state of Pakistan and the US. 

The court ruled that the NAB could not establish how Shahid Khaqan could influence another independent state regarding the appointment of the consultant. The only material against Shahid Khaqan is the statement of the former Secretary Petroleum as an approver. 

The court did not give any observation on the status of the approver’s statement and the pardon he received from the Chairman NAB.