Court allows NAB to continue corruption inquiries in Sindh

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Wednesday allowed National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to continue with its inquiries in Sindh province, ARY News reported

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Sheikh was hearing as many as five petitions challenging National Accountability Ordinance (NAB) 1999 Sindh Repeal Act that cancels the applicability of the NAB law in Sindh.

The court sought details of corruption cases against members of the provincial assembly, politicians and bureaucrats pending disposal in the province. It also issued notices to official respondents on fresh petitions.

Initially Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) had filed the petitions. Later, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pasban-e-Pakistan and some members of civil society also challenged the new law that repeals the applicability of the NAB in the province.

The petitioners’ lawyers told the judges that Sindh government had directed government departments and autonomous bodies under its control to not cooperate with NAB in inquiries.

The hearing was adjourned till Aug 22.

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, 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 Articles 248, 143, 8 and 31 of the Constitution. They alleged that the new law is aimed at shielding several powerful individuals from proceedings under corruption charges.