PPP to 'forcefully oppose' NAB chief extension

Bilawal says law specifies the tenure may not be extended

KARACHI:

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto said on Monday that his party would "forcefully oppose" the "illegal extension" in the tenure of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chief.

Bilawal maintained that the law specifies that the tenure may not be extended. He added that even if an extension was attempted for the incumbent NAB chairperson, it would prove his party's position that NAB is "an extension" of the PTI government and "not impartial".

Illegal extension in Chairman NABs tenures would be forcefully opposed by PPP. Law specifies tenure my not be extended. Even attempting an extension, for most controversial chairman in history, would serve to prove our argument that NAB is an extension of IKs govt not impartial.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) September 27, 2021

Two days ago, it was reported that Prime Minister Imran Khan would hold a crucial meeting next week on the appointment of the NAB chairman.

Sources told The Express Tribune that the government’s legal minds would present their suggestions as to whether to appoint a new anti-graft body chief or extending the tenure of the incumbent one.

They added that the attorney general for Pakistan’s (AGP) office has sent a draft of various amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) to PM’s Office. However, details on these amendments are yet to be disclosed.

Read Fawad rules out consulting Shehbaz on NAB chief

It is learnt the AGP office’s draft regarding the amendments to the NAO would also be discussed and the participants would give their point of view on the matter during the meeting.

AGP Khalid Jawed Khan has a strong view that credibility and transparency were vital in the accountability process.

It is expected that he would support the consultation process between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly on the appointment of the NAB chairman.

The AGP also believes that the arrest power of the NAB chairman should be regulated in view of the apex court rulings.

Similarly, accountability courts should be authorised to grant bail to the accused.