Hussain Dawood acquitted in high-profile LNG contract case

KARACHI – Pakistani industrialist and philanthropist Hussain Dawood, along with other officials, has been acquitted by an Accountability Court in a case related to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) contract. This development follows the withdrawal of the LNG reference against former Prime Minister Abbasi by the country's anti-graft watchdog NAB. The case involved allegations of Engro officials receiving unlawful assistance from the government during Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's tenure. Engro Elengy, a subsidiary of Engro Corporation and a major LNG supplier in Pakistan, clarified that the terminal under scrutiny catered to 15% of the country's gas needs.

The Accountability Court's ruling stated that Chairman Hussain Dawood, Director Abdul Samad Dawood, and former CEO Sheikh Imran ul Haq were acquitted in the LNG contract award to Engro Elengy Terminal Limited. The court found no evidence of illegal actions, irregularities, or financial losses to the national treasury. Initially, NAB alleged unexplained deposits totaling Rs1.294 billion into Abbasi's bank account between 2013 and 2017. The bureau also accused Abbasi and others of misusing their public positions by unlawfully awarding an LNG contract, engaging in corruption, and participating in money laundering activities.

In conclusion, the acquittal of Hussain Dawood and other officials in the LNG contract case marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings. The court's decision to dismiss the allegations of wrongdoing and financial misconduct provides a sense of vindication for the accused individuals. This outcome underscores the importance of thorough investigations and adherence to legal processes in cases involving high-profile figures and sensitive contracts.