Keeping the elections in mind, the Natio­nal Accountability Bureau (NAB) has decided to defer the arrest of some election candidates until after polling day.

This decision was made in a meeting of the executive board of NAB presided over by the bureau’s chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal.

However, those who have already been arrested will not be released.

But, if a court ordered arrest of any accused, NAB would have to follow the order even before the polls.

Three major candidates for whom the hold up is good news include the former foreign minister Khawaja Asif, former minister of state Rana Afzal, former Punjab minister Rana Mashhood and former MNA Rai Mansab.

Since the decision only applies to those running for office, there would be no let up for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Tomorrow, Friday, NAB is expected to announce its judgment on the first of three accountability references against Nawaz and his children.

Read a detailed report on the NAB meeting here.