PML-N senior leader and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi termed Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reservations “legitimate”, who stated that both major parties of opposition have become an instrument of the government, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

He was replying to a question of 24NewsHD TV channel during a media talks at an accountability court in Islamabad on Thursday.

Khaqan Abbasi said, “There may have been some shortcomings in the consultation {of both opposition parties}.”

Talking about the LNG reference case, Khaqan Abbasi said, “It’s been two years but an inquiry is still underway and no reference has been filed yet. The NAB now says that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and his son committed money laundering. I submitted all the records two years ago but NAB has come to know about this today. I also gave all records of my bank transactions to NAB.”

“I will ask the NAB Chairman how money laundering can be done with tax-paid money,” Abbasi said.

He said, “After two years now NAB accused me of the wrong appointment of Pakistan State Oil Managing Director. The NAB does not know that a minister does not appoint PSO MD. If there is a reference then we will see it.”

The accountability court has adjourned LNG reference case till September 7 without hearing due to leave of Judge Muhammad Azam Khan. The NAB had the chance to file additional reference in Thursday’s hearing. 

The TV channel reported that the NAB has not filed an additional reference against Shahid Khaqan Abbasi even on Thursday as the Investigating Officer (IO) was in the High Court. 

NAB prosecutor said additional reference will be submitted to the registrar for scrutiny. He said a list of names of the accused will also be submitted to the court.

NAB accused Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and others of illegally allotting LNG contracts and accused him for misuse of public position and powers. 

NAB alleged that LNG contract to a private company caused Rs14 billion loss while national exchequer suffered Rs21 billion loss. “In the LNG contract, there will be a loss of Rs47 billion in the next ten years,” NAB said. 

NAB maintained that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other accused also committed corruption and money laundering.

It is pertinent to note that an accountability court on Wednesday indicted former prime minister and PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and three others on the charge of illegal appointments in the Pakistan State Oil.