NAB Withdraws PSO Appointment Case Against Ex-PM Abbasi and Others

KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday made a significant move by deciding to withdraw its reference related to the allegedly “illegal” appointments in Pakistan State Oil (PSO). The reference, filed against former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the then Petroleum Secretary, accused them of violating rules and regulations in the appointment process within the state-owned enterprise. NAB had claimed that these actions resulted in a loss of Rs138 million to the national exchequer.

Court Accepts NAB’s Withdrawal Request

During the hearing in the accountability court today, the NAB team formally requested to withdraw the case. The court, after reviewing the request, accepted it and ordered that the reference be sent back to the NAB chairman for further action. This marks a significant development in a case that has been ongoing for several years, drawing attention to the accountability process in high-profile government appointments.

Long-Running Case Ends After Years of Proceedings

The accountability court had previously indicted former Prime Minister Abbasi and three other individuals in 2020, concerning the alleged illegal appointments to two key positions within PSO. Throughout the proceedings, Abbasi consistently appeared before the court, demanding concrete evidence to support the allegations against him. Despite over four years of hearings, the prosecution was unable to provide sufficient evidence, leading to today’s withdrawal of the case by NAB.

This move brings an end to a prolonged legal battle that has kept several prominent figures under scrutiny. The withdrawal of the reference could have significant implications for how similar cases are pursued in the future, particularly those involving high-ranking officials.