Home
Petition against NAB amendment admissible for hearing, says SC

Petition against NAB amendment admissible for hearing, says SC

Web Desk
Sep 15, 2023

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development on Friday, the Supreme Court declared a petition challenging amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws admissible for hearing, subsequently ordering the restoration of all NAB cases.

The decision was made by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by the outgoing Chief Justice, Umar Ata Bandial. The bench also included Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah.

In a majority ruling of 2-1, the Supreme Court approved the petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, challenging amendments to the country’s accountability laws that were enacted during the tenure of the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government.

NAB LAW: ‘Short and sweet’ judgment expected soon

This ruling has far-reaching implications for all National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases and inquiries, including those involving amounts below Rs500 million, which had been disposed of under the amended laws.

Notably, the sections related to the definition of “benami” and “assets beyond means,” as well as the section shifting the burden of proof onto the prosecution, were struck down by the apex court.

The verdict came after the Supreme Court had reserved its decision on September 5, following 53 hearings on the petition filed by the former prime minister.

During the proceedings, the bench displayed visible divisions on the matter. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah consistently questioned the maintainability of the petition, while Chief Justice Bandial and Justice Ahsan criticized certain amendments made to the NAB law during the Pakistan Democratic Movement government’s tenure.

Representing the federal government was Makhdoom Ali Khan, while Khawaja Haris represented Imran Khan. It was widely anticipated that Chief Justice Bandial would deliver the ruling in this case before his retirement, with the judgment expected to have significant implications for national politics.