PTI govt set to amend NAB Ordinance
Those involved in corruption of more than Rs50 million will be given C class in jail
Prime Minister Imran Khan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
The government has decided to make amendments in the NAB Ordinance 1999 by withdrawing facilities to prisoners being meted VIP treatment in jail.
Those involved in corruption of more than Rs50 million will be given C class in jail.
According to the proposed amendments in the NAB ordinance 1999, the accused will be kept in C class during inquiry, investigation, and trial.
According to the documents available with The Express Tribune, a new clause in NAB Amendment Bill 1990 sub-section 10 has been included.
It was supposed to be presented in the federal cabinet on Sunday but owing to the presence of law minister abroad, the matter has been deferred till the next meeting of the cabinet.
The government has also decided to make an amendment in the Benami Transaction Act 2017 to locate Benami assets under which the definition of whistle-blower has been included in the Benami Transaction Act.
According to the documents, an addition has been made in section 2 clause number 31 according to which, any person can identify Benami assets under the anti-corruption law.
It has been stated in the amendment that the whistle-blower will be able to lodge a complaint with the NAB, FIA or under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Securities Act or any federal or provincial anti-corruption law.
The federal cabinet will decide on making amendments to the Benami Transaction Act through an ordinance.
Also, the federal government has decided to set up a Legal Aid and Justice Authority to provide legal assistance to the poor and helpless.
According to the contents of an ordinance available with The Express Tribune, the authority will formulate a policy for the provision of legal or financial assistance to the deserving people.
A panel of lawyers will be established in every district and sub-district under the authority which will bear their expenses.
According to the ordinance, the Legal Aid and Justice Authority will spread awareness about the fee structure of the lawyers and the court system in the country.
Any deserving person will be eligible to apply for free legal assistance. Children and mentally challenged persons will not need to provide an affidavit to the authority for legal support.
According to the ordinance, the authority will review and make a decision on the application for legal assistance in seven days from the receipt of its date. It will also play help in resolving conflicts out of court through dialogue.
Meanwhile, a separate fund for the authority will be established. The federal and provincial governments and international aid agencies will be able to give grants to the authority.
Legal action against workers and officers of the authority will not be allowed.
If anyone provided wrong information while seeking help, legal assistance will be withdrawn.
According to the ordinance, the authority will devise an effective mechanism for the provision of legal assistance, monitoring, and review.
A board of governors headed by federal minister for human rights will oversee the administrative matters of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority.
The authority will have the power to appoint officers and staff as needed.
The government has decided to make amendments in the NAB Ordinance 1999 by withdrawing facilities to prisoners being meted VIP treatment in jail.
Those involved in corruption of more than Rs50 million will be given C class in jail.
According to the proposed amendments in the NAB ordinance 1999, the accused will be kept in C class during inquiry, investigation, and trial.
According to the documents available with The Express Tribune, a new clause in NAB Amendment Bill 1990 sub-section 10 has been included.
It was supposed to be presented in the federal cabinet on Sunday but owing to the presence of law minister abroad, the matter has been deferred till the next meeting of the cabinet.
The government has also decided to make an amendment in the Benami Transaction Act 2017 to locate Benami assets under which the definition of whistle-blower has been included in the Benami Transaction Act.
According to the documents, an addition has been made in section 2 clause number 31 according to which, any person can identify Benami assets under the anti-corruption law.
It has been stated in the amendment that the whistle-blower will be able to lodge a complaint with the NAB, FIA or under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Securities Act or any federal or provincial anti-corruption law.
The federal cabinet will decide on making amendments to the Benami Transaction Act through an ordinance.
Also, the federal government has decided to set up a Legal Aid and Justice Authority to provide legal assistance to the poor and helpless.
According to the contents of an ordinance available with The Express Tribune, the authority will formulate a policy for the provision of legal or financial assistance to the deserving people.
A panel of lawyers will be established in every district and sub-district under the authority which will bear their expenses.
According to the ordinance, the Legal Aid and Justice Authority will spread awareness about the fee structure of the lawyers and the court system in the country.
Any deserving person will be eligible to apply for free legal assistance. Children and mentally challenged persons will not need to provide an affidavit to the authority for legal support.
According to the ordinance, the authority will review and make a decision on the application for legal assistance in seven days from the receipt of its date. It will also play help in resolving conflicts out of court through dialogue.
Meanwhile, a separate fund for the authority will be established. The federal and provincial governments and international aid agencies will be able to give grants to the authority.
Legal action against workers and officers of the authority will not be allowed.
If anyone provided wrong information while seeking help, legal assistance will be withdrawn.
According to the ordinance, the authority will devise an effective mechanism for the provision of legal assistance, monitoring, and review.
A board of governors headed by federal minister for human rights will oversee the administrative matters of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority.
The authority will have the power to appoint officers and staff as needed.