In a major legal development, a special court has acquitted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s daughter, Rabia Imran, and her husband, Ali Imran Yousuf, in a corruption reference related to the Punjab Power Development Company (PPDC).
The verdict was announced on Wednesday by Judge Ashfaq Ahmad of the FIA Special Central Court. The decision brings an end to proceedings against the two in the long-running case.
Court Accepts Acquittal Plea
The court approved the acquittal applications filed by Rabia Imran and Ali Imran Yousuf. As a result, both were formally cleared of all allegations linked to the PPDC reference. The ruling provides significant relief to the prime minister’s family.
NAB Says Case Was Based on a Misunderstanding
During the hearing, a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officer told the court that the two accused were named because of a misunderstanding.
The officer also stated that NAB did not want them arrested. This clarification strengthened the case for their acquittal.
What Was the PPDC Case About?
The reference concerned alleged corruption in the Punjab Power Development Company. The organization is responsible for overseeing various energy projects in Punjab.
However, prosecutors informed the court that there was no basis to continue proceedings against the couple.
Legal Proceedings Come to an End
With the court’s decision, all charges against Rabia Imran and Ali Imran Yousuf have been dropped. Therefore, they are no longer required to appear in court in connection with this reference.
The acquittal closes another high-profile accountability case involving close relatives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
