Karachi: The Federal Anti-Corruption Court has acquitted Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and over 40 other accused in three cases related to the TDAP corruption case. During the hearing, Yousuf Raza Gilani appeared before the court, where the judge informed him that decisions had been made in three cases against him. In response, Gilani acknowledged that he was aware of the verdicts.
The court jokingly asked Gilani which jail he would prefer—Karachi, Multan, or Islamabad. Gilani replied that he had no fear of imprisonment and that they could even sentence him to death if they wished. The anti-corruption court judge, smiling, asked why he did not prefer house arrest. Gilani responded that his ancestral home was in Multan, his family resided in Lahore, and his Senate office was in Islamabad.
The court declared that no charges had been proven against Gilani and acquitted him with honor. The judge also noted that the witnesses who had testified against him were now accused themselves.
After the hearing, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani spoke to the media in Karachi, stating that the case had been filed against him in 2009. He added that all the prosecution witnesses had now become accused and had fled the country.
He further mentioned that the case was initiated by the current coalition government but assured that he held no grievances against them and would continue to support the government fully. Gilani emphasized that he would not backstab the coalition government and that President Asif Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto would collectively present their stance.
Expressing concern over the arrest of another Senate member, Gilani stated that if the detained member was unable to attend the parliamentary session, a production order would be issued. He affirmed his commitment to upholding the Constitution and the law, ensuring that the country’s reputation remained intact.
