Gilani challenges NAB's jurisdiction in gift case

Former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has contested the jurisdiction of the NAB and the accountability court in the ongoing Toshakhana reference case.

The case involves accusations against Gilani, Asif Ali Zardari, and ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The hearing took place on Tuesday in Accountability Court No 3, presided over by Judge Abid Sajjad.

Gilani's legal team argued that recent amendments have stripped NAB and the accountability court of their legal authority to handle this case.

Judge Abid Sajjad responded by issuing a notice to NAB, demanding clarification on whether the Toshakhana case falls within its jurisdiction.

The court has adjourned the hearing until September 26 to await NAB's reply.

NAB's reference accuses Gilani of unlawfully benefitting Zardari and Nawaz by permitting them to retain vehicles gifted by foreign states and dignitaries.

The case alleges that Gilani manipulated the rules for submitting and disposing of these gifts in the Toshakhana, allowing Zardari and Nawaz to keep the vehicles after paying only 15% of their actual value.