Zardari issues amended National Accountability Ordinance

President Asif Ali Zardari has issued the amended National Accountability Ordinance, under which the National Accountability Bureau  (NAB) chairman powers have been considerably reduced.

By amending article 16 of the ordinance, the NAB chairman will no longer have powers to transfer cases from one court to another. As per the new ordinance, only the government will have the authority to do so.

The government has also been given the security charge of NAB court lawyers and judges, earlier taken care of by the NAB chairman.

Other changes include the removal of Article 33 A, which allowed NAB officials to take bonuses in cash for any recoveries made.

Meanwhile, the government is yet to name the new chief of the National Accountability Bureau.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has explained that the important vacancy will be filled after consultation with the opposition.

Addressing the National Assembly, Gilani said that two of the  presidents nominees for the post were rejected, after the opposition showed reservations over them. He said talks are underway and assured the house that an agreement will be reached soon.

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted the federation 10 days for the appointment of the new NAB chairman.