ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the Ministry of Law and other respondents on a petition challenging the appointments of the bureau’s Deputy Chairman Ihtesham Qadir Shah and Prosecutor General Sohail Nasir, while directing the petitioner to produce documentary evidence that the two did not meet the legal requirements for their posts.
Justice Umair Majid Malik, who heard the petition filed by Advocate Dr G.M. Chaudhry, observed that the petitioner had “completely ruined the entire case” after he argued that Mr Nasir had improperly described himself as a former judge despite having served only as an additional judge of the Lahore High Court (LHC).
Justice Malik remarked with a smile, “In that case, you might as well remove our badges too, as we are also currently serving as additional judges.”
‘Lack qualifications’
In his petition, filed in the nature of quo warranto, Dr Chaudhry challenged the appointments of the NAB deputy chairman and prosecutor general, arguing that Mr Shah did not meet the qualifications prescribed under Section 7(aa) of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), 1999.
The petitioner contended that Mr Shah had previously served as NAB prosecutor general, a position that did not qualify him as a federal government officer in Grade 21 or its equivalent. He also argued that Mr Shah was neither an armed forces officer holding the rank of major general nor its equivalent.
Regarding Mr Nasir, the petitioner argued that he did not meet the criteria under Section 8(a) of the NAO, which requires a NAB prosecutor general to be qualified for appointment as a Supreme Court judge.
He said Mr Nasir had served as a sessions judge before being appointed an additional judge of the LHC, but was not confirmed. The petitioner maintained that he therefore did not meet the requirements under Article 177(2) of the Constitution.
Notices were also issued on miscellaneous applications seeking to restrain the NAB deputy chairman and prosecutor general from performing their duties and to summon the records of their appointments.
Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026
