Ex-Premier Khan challenges NAB law amendment in SC
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday approached the Supreme Court to challenge the coalition government’s recent amendments to the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance, contending that they will “virtually eliminate any white-collar crime committed by a public office holder”.
The changes were criticised by Imran and his party, with the PTI chairman, saying the move would destroy the country.
The bill, along with the one on election reforms, was passed by the National Assembly and Senate last month. After its approval from both houses, the president’s assent was required for it to become law.
However, Alvi sent back the bills, following which the government convened a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate, which approved them. Alvi again refused to sign them, terming them ‘regressive,’ and sent them back. But procedurally, 10 days after a joint sitting passes a bill, it is considered law even if the president refuses assent.
In the petition, the ex-premier named the Federation of Pakistan through its secretary Law and Justice Division and the NAB through its chairman as respondents in the case.
In his request, Imran requested the court to adjudicate upon a question of “great public importance with reference to the enforcement of fundamental rights of citizens under articles 9 (security of a person), 14 (inviolability of dignity of a man, etc), 19A (right to information), 24 (protection of property rights) and 25 (equality of citizens) of the Constitution.