A special central court on Monday acquitted incumbent prime minister Shehbaz Sharif’s son Suleman Shahbaz, and all other accused in an alleged money laundering case of Rs16 billion. Judge Bakht Fakhar Behzad heard the case, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) submitted answers to 27 questions to the court. During the proceedings, Judge Behzad sought clarity on the party responsible for conducting the money laundering inquiry. The FIA counsel told the court that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), led by Dr Rizwan, had conducted the inquiry. However, the judge expressed concern over the fact that only a single witness statement had been recorded during the entire investigation. When questioned about the lack of action taken against individuals who had changed their positions during the inquiry and investigation, the FIA investigating officer remained silent, prompting the judge to express his disappointment. Judge Behzad demanded concrete evidence to support the allegations, emphasising the need for substantial proof in the case. In a stern remark, the judge said, “Tell me straight, don’t tell me stories, I have read everything. I will send all FIA people to jail now, remember this. I want an answer—what is the proof of the crime with the challan.” Subsequently, the special central court announced its verdict, acquitting Suleman Shehbaz and all other accused in the FIA money laundering case. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered a case against Shehbaz Sharif, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif and Suleman Shehbaz, under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Anti Money Laundering Act. This case was filed in November 2020 and has since gained momentum.
Court acquits Suleman Shahbaz, others in money laundering case
