LHC dismisses plea challenging amendments made in NAB laws

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the recent amendments made in the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 after the petitioner withdrew the plea.

The petitioner had challenged the amendments made in the ordinance that paved the way for incumbent NAB chairman Justice (retired) Javed Iqbal to get an extension till his successor is appointed.

A division bench headed by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi was hearing the petition filed by Saeed Zafar, a lawyer by profession.

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At the outset of the hearing, NAB special prosecutor Faisal Bukhari objected to the maintainability of the petition, arguing that under article 89 of the Constitution, the President was empowered to issue an ordinance for 120 days.

He pointed out that the ordinance would expire after 120 days in case it was not approved by the parliament. He further stated that a third amendment had been introduced and it would remain valid till 120 days.

He pointed out that the petition was premature and the petitioner could approach the court after the amendments were ratified by parliament.

At this point, the petitioner sought the court’s permission to withdraw their pleas, which was granted.

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In his arguments, the petitioner stated that the government promulgated the ordinance only to benefit the sitting chairman of the NAB. He said a person-specific law had no value in the eye of law.

The lawyer argued that the issuance of the ordinance in the presence of the parliament was a violation of the Constitution. He had asked the court to set aside the newly promulgated ordinance for being unconstitutional.