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Federal Court Acquits Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani in All TDAP Mega Corruption Cases
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani acquitted in all 26 TDAP mega corruption cases. Court cites lack of evidence. Gilani says justice prevailed after years of false allegations.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-18
Federal Court Acquits Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani in All TDAP Mega Corruption Cases

In a major legal development, the Federal Anti-Corruption Court in Karachi has acquitted Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani of all 26 corruption cases related to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). The ruling marks the conclusion of a prolonged legal battle that began over a decade ago.

The court issued its final verdict during a hearing held on Friday, where Gilani was present in person. The court acquitted him in 14 remaining cases, while he had already been acquitted in 12 earlier this year, clearing him of all allegations.

In its ruling, the court noted that it thoroughly reviewed each case, including those transferred from the High Court, and found no credible evidence to convict the accused. All co-accused were also acquitted.

Farooq H. Naik, Gilani’s legal counsel and senior advocate, addressed the media outside the courtroom. “These were baseless and politically motivated cases, filed in 2013 and 2014 with the same repetitive allegation — that Rs 5 million were taken per TDAP subsidy. The FIA initiated these cases based on a single individual's claim,” he said.

Naik further stated that Gilani had been on bail in 10 of the cases and was even wrongfully declared a fugitive by the FIA at one point. “The judiciary has delivered justice, and we are grateful to the honorable court for this verdict.”

Speaking to reporters, Yousuf Raza Gilani maintained that the cases were part of a malicious campaign against him. “False allegations were made to tarnish my reputation. Today, the truth has prevailed. I thank Farooq H. Naik for his exceptional legal defense and the court for upholding justice.”

Interestingly, Gilani noted that those who initiated the cases against him are now political allies. “I cannot disown them,” he said, adding, “There must be legislation to close cases if no decision is reached within a reasonable time.”

The TDAP scandal dates back to 2009, with formal investigations beginning in 2013. Gilani, a former Prime Minister and a key figure in the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was named in the final charge sheet in 2015 by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), alleging misuse of export development funds and corruption in disbursement of subsidies.

The court's decision to fully acquit Gilani concludes a 12-year-long legal saga, relieving one of Pakistan’s most prominent political figures of all judicial liabilities in the TDAP corruption scandal.

 
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