Parliament makes new SOPs for NAB’s politician accountability protocols

ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) will soon find itself being governed by the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) freshly drafted by the Parliament (the National Assembly and the Senate).

According to sources privy to the matter, these new directives effectively curb NAB’s authority to directly apprehend politicians.

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Sources reveal that the National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ayaz Sadiq conveyed these new SOPs to the NAB Chairman Nazir Ahmed Butt. Sources also said that NAB has sought the Speaker’s assistance in formalising these protocols.

Under the revised guidelines, any grievances or complaints against parliamentarians will be routed through the NA Speaker. Similarly, in the event of a senator’s arrest, the Chairman of the Senate will be promptly notified, ensuring a structured and accountable process.

Moreover, the SOPs emphasise a principle of non-retaliation, assuring that no member or political figure will be targeted solely on the basis of allegations. To further safeguard parliamentary representation, MPs will not face arrest even during the inquiry phase.

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Stringent measures have been outlined to maintain confidentiality and professionalism within the NAB ranks as well. Officers are barred from making any public statements unless a formal reference has been filed against the implicated political figure.

Violation of these directives could result in imprisonment ranging from one month to one year, coupled with fines amounting to Rs 1 million.