People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari 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”.
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.
It is learnt that that the law department would present their suggestions as to whether to appoint a new chief or extend the tenure of the incumbent one.
The attorney general’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.
It is learnt the AGP office’s draft regarding the amendments to the ordinance 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.
Earlier on Saturday, Law Minister Farogh Naseem rejected rumours that his ministry has prepared an ordinance to extend the present NAB chief’s tenure.
