The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has formally recommended the court acquit former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Toshakhana vehicle case, citing a comprehensive investigation that has led to his dismissal.
NAB’s report to the judiciary detailed its findings and compliance with previous court orders to investigate Sharif.
According to NAB’s findings, in 1997, the government of Saudi Arabia gifted a vehicle to Nawaz Sharif during his tenure as Prime Minister, which he duly deposited into the Toshakhana—a repository for gifts received by government officials. This vehicle was later transferred to the Federal Transport Pool.
In 2008, then-Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani allowed Nawaz Sharif to purchase the vehicle, which was by then part of the Federal Transport Pool, not the Toshakhana.
The report clarified that Nawaz Sharif legally purchased the vehicle from the Federal Transport Pool and not directly from the Toshakhana. Furthermore, it was noted that he did not use any fraudulent means or fake bank accounts for the transaction.
Given these findings, NAB has suggested that the court dismiss the case or acquit Sharif, as the investigation has established no irregularities in the transaction. The court is now considering NAB’s recommendation and will decide on the appropriate course of action.