The NAB on January 2 last converted an inquiry into investigation against former Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for alleged misuse of powers with respect to the LNG terminal project. The NAB Rawalpindi had summoned Rashid to appear before its investigation team along with relevant record regarding the inquiry against Abbasi and others in connection with illegal award of LNG tender to ETPL.
Rashid was asked to record his statement relating to the allegations including fixing 13.37 percent slope for import of the LNG from Qatar, fixing high capacity rate in favour of Engro (EETPL), award contract of LNG terminal-1 to Engro (EETPL) against Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules, and role of member gas of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) in the LNG matter.
In February this year, the Supreme Court fixed a plea filed by President Awami Muslim League (AML) Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, seeking disqualification of Abbasi over alleged corruption in award of the LNG import contract. The petition requested the Supreme Court to order NAB to take action against Abbasi in this regard.
While talking to media persons after appearing before the NAB investigators, he said that Abbasi played an important role in the LNG contract which cost loss of billions of rupees to the national exchequer. "My case is very simple and I have provided concert evidence to the NAB signed by Abbasi," he said.
He said that Abbasi is currently out of the country as his children and wealth are outside the country. "Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is facing problems due to their corruption," he said.
When asked about Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who is criticising the NAB, he replied that Bilawal is also criticising him. "Five million people are my followers on Twitter and it will rise up to 50 million, the day I would tweet on Bilawal. "Islam is our religion and Jihad is mandatory for us and we are against the terrorism," he said, adding "We have lost 70,000 precious lives in war against terrorism."
When asked about Bilawal's demand for resignation of three federal ministers for their alleged links with proscribed organisations, he said that Bilawal is using Indian tone. "He (Bilawal) is the influenced agent of Indian media," he alleged. About the step taken by Prime Minister following increase in salary of Punjab Assembly members, he said that Imran Khan has taken right and timely step.