ISLAMABAD – Acting President of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani issued key ordinances on NAB and Election Act Amendments, allowing the powerful antiwatcdog to have over month remand of accused.
After the new ordinance, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) can keep an accused on physical remand for up to 40 days – up from 14 days, while the punishment for NAB officials who file false cases has been reduced by half.
NAB’s Remand Period
The new ordinance was passed during hearing of apex court on NAB amendments, a case brought by former prime minister Imran Khan, who is facing graft cases. In PDM led setup, then government made changes to National Accountability Ordinance 1999 to curtail NAB’s powers.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who introduced the bill in the lower house of parliament, highlighted key changes, including prohibiting arrests before investigations are complete, allowing suspects the right to bail, and abolishing the 90-day remand period.
Minister noted that remand has now been reduced, while campaigns are not allowed unless the suspect is convicted, and cases cannot be used for political purposes in asset-related cases.
Beside the NAB remand power, Acting President also approved an amendment to the Election Act 2023, allowing retired judges, alongside serving high court judges, to be appointed to election tribunals.
