Accountability Court acquits Zardari in SGS, Cotecna cases

The court had reserved its verdict in the case on November 11.

It may be noted here that Nawaz Sharif’s previous term as Pakistan’s premier in 1997, the court had acquitted Zardari in three corruption references. But the court had rejected the plea of his acquittal in two other cases – SGS and Cotecna.

The counsel of Zardari, Farooq H. Naek said cases against the former president had finally been quashed after 18 years.

He said Saifur Rehman filed fabricated cases against Mr. Zardari to exact political revenge. He asked what was reason to file a case when there were no evidences.

Cotecna case pertains to the award of a contract to the Swiss company after allegedly receiving six per cent bribe on the revenue proceeds.

While, SGS corruption case is the continuance of a reference filed in 1997 that accused the late Benazir Bhutto and Zardari to have gained off a contract between the SGS and the government.