LNG Terminal Contract Allegations (2018)
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) approved an inquiry in June 2018 into Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for allegedly awarding a 15-year contract for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in violation of rules and through misuse of power, causing loss to the national exchequer.
The inquiry states that the contract was awarded to a “company of their liking” rather than via proper transparent bidding.
Prior to that, in March 2014, Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) had raised objections to how the LNG terminal contract was being handled by the government led by Sharif’s party — such as awarding a contract without full tendering, exemption from procurement rules, and only one bid received.
In August 2020, NAB alleged that Abbasi received a kickback of ~Rs 736 million in relation to the LNG terminal contract and transferred ~Rs 560 million to his son’s account. While this focuses on Abbasi, Sharif is also named in the case.
The inquiry states that the contract was awarded to a “company of their liking” rather than via proper transparent bidding.
Prior to that, in March 2014, Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) had raised objections to how the LNG terminal contract was being handled by the government led by Sharif’s party — such as awarding a contract without full tendering, exemption from procurement rules, and only one bid received.
In August 2020, NAB alleged that Abbasi received a kickback of ~Rs 736 million in relation to the LNG terminal contract and transferred ~Rs 560 million to his son’s account. While this focuses on Abbasi, Sharif is also named in the case.