SHC quashes corruption case against ex-SSGC MD

Allows FIA to initiate fresh inquiry, if warranted

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday ordered the termination of a multibillion-rupee corruption reference against former Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) managing director Khalid Rehman.

Dr Asim Hussain, who served as federal minister for petroleum and natural resources from 2008 to 2013, along with former managing directors and senior officials of SSGC and OGDCL, had been accused of misusing authority in awarding contracts for five gas fields in Sindh to the Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited (JJVL), allegedly causing a loss of Rs17.338 billion to the national exchequer.

Announcing its verdict on a petition filed by Khalid Rehman seeking quashment of the reference, the SHC ruled that the proceedings against him be brought to an end. The court observed that while the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), if it so wishes, may initiate a fresh inquiry, any such investigation must strictly be conducted in accordance with the law.

The judgment reads that courts cannot interfere in the conduct of inquiries or investigations; however, citizens enjoy fundamental rights, including the right to life and dignity. The bench also took note of Khalid Rehman's distinguished academic background, observing that it was inappropriate for him to remain under the constant shadow of a prolonged case. Accordingly, with the consent of all parties, the reference against him was terminated.

According to the petition, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed the reference against Khalid Rehman and others before an accountability court on March 5, 2016. His plea for acquittal was later dismissed by the accountability court. Following amendments to the NAB laws, the reference was transferred to the FIA. However, the agency has yet to determine whether it intends to pursue the case.

Separately, another SHC bench approved the bail plea of an accused in a case involving the alleged abduction and marriage of an underage girl.

The bail application was filed by the accused, Asadullah, who is facing charges related to the abduction and marriage of a minor. Counsel for the accused argued that his client and the girl had contracted a love marriage and that the accused possessed a marriage certificate, consent agreement and other relevant documents.

The counsel further submitted that the girl had been residing with her family for the past three months and that had she been abducted, she would not have been living peacefully with them. It was also argued that the FIR was registered after an unexplained delay of three months.

Opposing the bail plea, the complainant's counsel maintained that the accused had abducted a 15-year-old girl and married her despite being fully aware of her age.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved the bail application. According to police, a case against the accused has been registered at Saeedabad police station.