The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has dropped the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) reference against former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Following this decision, the accountability court has acquitted all the accused, including Abbasi.
The withdrawal of the reference was reportedly based on merit, with a request for removal coming from the former head of Pakistan State Oil (PSO). Abbasi was previously arrested by NAB in 2019 in connection with this case, which alleged a loss of 21 billion rupees to the national exchequer.
The case involved revelations from a NAB inquiry, highlighting non-transparent practices in awarding the LNG terminal at Karachi Port to M/S Engro, along with Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) awarding contracts for LNG regasification to an Engro subsidiary. Both Abbasi and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were accused of misuse of powers in awarding LNG contracts.
Despite inquiries and accusations, Abbasi has maintained his innocence, stating that there were no irregularities in the LNG contract and stating the necessity of LNG exports in 2013.
