Senate Chairman and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has been acquitted in nine more corruption cases linked to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) scandal, following a verdict delivered by Karachi’s federal anti-corruption court.

Gilani, who appeared in court alongside other accused individuals, now stands cleared in 12 out of 26 cases originally registered against him by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in connection with the multi-billion rupee scam. The former premier had previously been acquitted in three cases, and the remaining allegations continue to be contested in court.

The TDAP scandal, which dates back to investigations initiated in 2009, involved accusations of massive fraud through fake companies created to exploit a freight subsidy scheme, resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 7 billion. Gilani was formally implicated in the final charge sheet submitted in 2015, with charges including facilitating the misuse of public funds.

“Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied,” Says Gilani

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, Gilani reiterated that the allegations were baseless, criticizing the prolonged legal process.

“These cases dragged on for 12 years,” he said. “Justice delayed is justice denied. One of the prosecutors was still a student when this trial began.”

He also dismissed speculation regarding President Asif Ali Zardari’s health, calling such rumors unfounded and politically motivated.

Addressing questions on his party’s position in Punjab, Gilani clarified that the Pakistan Peoples Party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) had decided against joining the provincial government.

“It is up to the CEC to reconsider that decision. I am not part of the government, nor its spokesperson,” he added.

Gilani also reflected on his political journey, noting,

“I was the longest-serving prime minister, elected unanimously, and later became Senate Chairman without opposition.”

Defense Counsel Cites Lack of Evidence

Farooq H. Naek, Gilani’s legal counsel, described the cases as repetitive and unsubstantiated, noting that all 26 cases involved similar accusations.

“The allegation was that Mr. Gilani received Rs 5 million indirectly through a person named Zubair. However, not a single witness has testified that Gilani personally accepted any money.”

Naek confirmed that the FIA has appealed the acquittals in 14 other cases, which are currently pending review in the High Court.

“Witnesses have consistently failed to appear, though the accused continue to attend hearings. The High Court must either expedite a ruling or return the case files to the lower court,” he said.

With the latest acquittals, Gilani’s legal team remains optimistic about the outcomes of the remaining cases, maintaining that the allegations lack credible evidence and were politically motivated.