New Sindh accountability law challenged in SHC

Karachi: The Sindh High Court on Friday issued notices to the provincial and federal authorities to file their response to the petitions questioning the National Accountability Ordinance (NAB) 1999 Sindh Repeal Act.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Farooq Sattar and Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) petitioned the high court challenging the law that repealed the NAB Ordinance.

After preliminary hearing, a division bench of the SHC issued notices to the official respondents to submit comments on the petitions on the next hearing.

The hearing was adjourned till August 16.

Barrister Farogh Naseem, who represented the MQM leader, contended that the new law is a bid by the ruling party to cover up its shenanigans. He pleaded the judges to strike down the law since it was in violation of the Constitution.

On July 03, Sindh Assembly passed the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 Repeal Bill, 2017. It aimed at repealing the applicability of the NAB Ordinance to departments and autonomous bodies controlled by the provincial government.

Subsequently, the Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair declined to give assent to it and returned the bill with objections. After which, the Sindh cabinet discussed the objections and tabled the new draft in the provincial assembly which was passed on July 27.

Terming the NAB  related law a ‘black law the opposition parties in Sindh argued that it was in violation of Artciles 248, 143, 8 and 31 of the Constitution.  They alleged that the new law is aimed at shielding several powerful individuals from proceedings against corruption.