The Sindh High Court (SHC) has dismissed an inquiry launched by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against officers of the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC), ruling that the anti-graft body has no jurisdiction to investigate examination-related matters without clear evidence of corruption.
A constitutional bench of the SHC issued the order while hearing a petition filed by SPSC officers challenging NAB's inquiry into alleged irregularities in the 2018 SPSC examinations.
The petitioners' counsel, Advocate Raj Ali Wahid Kunwar, informed the court that several candidates affected by the 2018 exams had previously approached various courts, and the Supreme Court had ultimately upheld the validity of the examinations.
Following the apex court's ruling, NAB had formally closed its inquiry. However, three years later, the anti-corruption watchdog unexpectedly reopened the investigation and issued fresh call-up notices on June 24. The counsel alleged that NAB was harassing the petitioners without any legal basis. During proceedings, the court sharply questioned NAB's authority in the matter. The bench observed that NAB could not initiate probes into examination processes and emphasised that even in cases involving alleged misuse of authority, the bureau must demonstrate clear evidence of corruption.
The court also questioned the credibility of the complaint that triggered the renewed inquiry, noting that it lacked essential documentation and an affidavit.
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