NAB Chairman’s appointment ‘tip of the iceberg’, new ordinance to amend NAB law

Islamabad – October 6 (Online): Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem on Wednesday clarified that Prime Minister Imran Khan would not consult opposition leader to appoint new National accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, adding that amendment regarding appointment of chairman NAB was just a ‘tip of the iceberg’ and proposed ordinance would bring major amendments to already existing NAB law.

A confusion was circulating regarding appointment of NAB chairman, and Prime Minister Imran Khan’s supposed consultation with the leader of opposition in this regard.

Addressing an important joint presser in Islamabad on Wednesday, Law Minister Farogh Naseem along with Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that proposed NAB ordinance, which was already sent to President Arif Alvi for his approval on Wednesday evening, would bring major changes to NAB laws.

Talking about proposed amendments, Farogh Naseem said that taxation has been moved out of NAB’s jurisdiction, as well as right to arrest someone has been also given to FBR. He said that government aims at strengthening the anti-corruption watchdog.

Offering his gratitude to Chief Justice of Pakistan on behalf of whole nation for his guidance, Farogh said that government would increase prosecutor general of Pakistan’s ambit. NAB Chairman would be enabled to acquire independent opinion from prosecutor general of Pakistan via new ordinance, he announced.

Farogh Naseem said that Trial Courts would be empowered to grant bails in NAB cases. Those who would return minted money through corrupt practice would be disqualified for life automatically.

He said that Chairman NAB’s appointment would be made by President of Pakistan after due consultation and in case if matter still remains unsettled, it would be passed on to a parliamentary committee which would carry proper representation of opposition.

Supreme Judicial Council would be able to remove Chairman NAB from his office, according to proposed ordinance, Farogh Naseem said adding that word ‘nonexpendable’ has been removed from the draft.

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that government would consult opposition to settle the matter but not the opposition leader, since he is facing NAB cases himself. He said that NAB will now be empowered to take action against ‘big fish’. Number of accountability courts has also been increased in order to enhance accountability process, Fawad announced.