In a landmark decision today, the Supreme Court of Pakistan declared nine out of ten National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments null and void, effectively reviving several high-profile corruption cases involving former prime ministers and public office holders. This decision came in response to a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, challenging the controversial NAB amendments.
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, declared the PTI chief’s petition admissible. While eight out of nine judges supported the decision to nullify the amendments, Justice Shah issued a dissenting note.
The invalidated NAB amendments, passed by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), introduced significant changes to NAB laws. Among the key amendments, the term of the NAB chairman and prosecutor general was reduced from four years to three years, and regulatory bodies operating in the country were exempted from NAB’s jurisdiction. Additionally, a three-year term was established for accountability court judges, with a mandatory requirement to resolve cases within one year.
Imran Khan’s petition argued that these amendments violated the Constitution, particularly Articles 9, 14, 19, 24, and 25, and sought their nullification. The Supreme Court agreed, emphasizing that these changes impacted the rights of the public as outlined in the Constitution.
As a result of this decision, numerous corruption cases, involving political heavyweights like Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, Yousuf Raza Gillani, and Raja Pervez Ashraf, among others, will be reopened and presented before accountability courts. Cases against former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz are also expected to be revisited.
The verdict specifically directed the National Accountability Bureau to reopen Toshakhana cases against Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, and Yousuf Raza Gillani, as well as the rental power reference against Raja Pervez Ashraf. These cases, along with others, will now proceed through the accountability court system.
This groundbreaking ruling not only restores transparency and accountability but also marks a significant step towards addressing corruption at the highest levels of government. It signals a renewed commitment by the Pakistani judiciary to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
