PHC orders NAB to review notices to CM

The Peshawar HC has directed NAB to review notices issued to CM Ali Amin Gandapur concerning accumulation of assets

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to review the call-up notices issued to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in a case concerning accumulation of assets beyond known sources of income.

The court instructed NAB to assess the notices in light of the Supreme Court's decision and submit a response. The case was heard by a two-member bench consisting of Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Waqar Ahmed.

Alam Khan Adeenzai represented the CM, while Hashmat Jahangir appeared as the prosecutor for NAB. The petitioner's lawyer informed the court that on November 3, 2023, NAB had issued a call-up notice to Ali Amin Gandapur, but the notice did not specify the crime; it only requested details of his property. Another notice was sent on November 24, which, according to the lawyer, was based on malintent. He argued that, under NAB law, the notice must mention both the crime and the required details.

The lawyer further told the court that according to NAB regulations, the individuals providing testimony must be presented in court. He requested the court to declare both NAB notices invalid and halt any further action.

He also informed the court that notices were issued to Ali Amin's father, brothers, and other family members.

In response, the CJ asked the NAB lawyer how the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding such cases would affect this particular case— and whether it would continue or not. The NAB prosecutor responded that the bureau would review the matter.