Reply sought on NAB ordinance

Published October 14, 2021
The petitioner says that the government promulgated the ordinance only to benefit the sitting NAB chairman. — Photo courtesy NAB website
The petitioner says that the government promulgated the ordinance only to benefit the sitting NAB chairman. — Photo courtesy NAB website

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday sought replies from the federal government and other respondents on a petition challenging the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 that mainly paved the way for continuation of incumbent chairman of the NAB retired justice Javed Iqbal on the post till the appointment of the successor.

A division bench headed by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi was hearing the petition filed by Saeed Zafar, a lawyer by profession.

In his initial arguments, the petitioner stated that the government promulgated the ordinance only to benefit the sitting chairman of the NAB. He said a person-specific law had no value in the eye of law.

The petitioner argued that the issuance of the ordinance in the presence of the parliament was a violation of the Constitution.

He asked the court to set aside the newly promulgated ordinance for being unconstitutional. As interim relief, the petitioner also urged the court to suspend the operations of the ordinance till a final decision of the petition.

After hearing the arguments, the bench issued notices to the respondents for their replies by Nov 19.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...