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Political bigwigs to face accountability as NAB submits records to court

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ISLAMABAD: In line with the Supreme Court’s order to restore graft cases against public office holders, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) submitted a record of corruption references to an accountability court in Islamabad.

Accountability Judge Muhammad Bashir directed the registrar of the court to review the cases’ records and present them before him.

The judge directed the NAB prosecutors to review the legal aspects of the cases as the nature of cases against private individuals, public office holders, and government employees is different.

The development came as NAB prosecutors Sohail Arif and Sardar Muzaffar appeared in the accountability court to brief the judge on the reopening of the cases.

“You [prosecutours] have to tell which case can be heard and which is not in a [court’s] jurisdiction, Judge Bashir stated.

NAB prosecutor Abbasi assured the judge that the anti-graft watchdog will ensure the implementation of the apex court order and submit all relevant records to the court.

On September 15, a three-member bench of the apex in a majority 2-1 verdict approved Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s petition challenging amendments made to the country’s accountability laws during the tenure of the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government.

The then-chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial-led bench ordered restoring all graft cases that were closed against the political leaders and public office holders and declared the amendments void.

In this regard, the anti-corruption watchdog wrote a letter to the registrar of an accountability court in the federal capital in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Last week, NAB Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Nazir Ahmed Butt summoned a consultative meeting to formulate the future course of action.

The cases will be reopened against former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif, Yousuf Raza Gillani, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Shehbaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former president Asif Ali Zardari, former chief ministers of Sindh, Punjab as well as dozens of former federal and provincial ministers, according to The News.

Sources said the fake accounts cases against Zardari and the rental power plants case against Ashraf have also been reopened. They added that the Toshakhana vehicles cases against Zardari, Nawaz and Gillani would also be investigated again.

Other politicians who would face cases include former chief minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, former finance minister Miftah Ismail and former finance minister Senator Ishaq Dar for amassing assets beyond known sources of income. 

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Trump is compared to the founder of the PTI by Rana Sanaullah, calls him a liar.

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Using what he called “similarities” in their political philosophies, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah compared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to US President-elect Donald Trump.

Donald Trump and Imran Khan are “known for spreading falsehoods, mocking others, and attacking institutions,” according to Rana Sanaullah, who made this statement during the “Khabar Muhammad Malick Ke Saath” program.

The similarities between Donald Trump and Imran Khan are numerous, including their use of deceit, mockery, and unlawful means to get their demands met. “He (Donald Trump) rallied his backing and launched an assault on the White House,” the prime minister’s special adviser on political matters stated.

When asked about the congratulations given to the US president-elect by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, Rana Sanaullah responded that it was “just a mere diplomatic gesture and formality.”

Rana Sanaullah responded, “I do not believe the US government will do so,” when asked if the federal government will issue an order for Imran Khan’s release.

In order for these two brothers to cooperate, I believe that Imran Khan should be turned over to the United States if Donald Trump so desires. If the United States desires to exchange Imran Khan for the release of Aafia Siddiqui, the country would likely consent, according to Rana Sanaullah.

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Significant legislation is anticipated in today’s NA and Senate sessions.

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With crucial legislation on the agenda, the Senate and the National Assembly, the two houses of parliament, have called separate sessions today.

Session of National Assemblies

At 4 p.m., the lower chamber National Assembly session would begin, with a seven-point program.

According to insiders, the NA session would see the introduction of bills to strengthen the highest court’s judges and amend the Anti-Terrorism Amendment.

Additionally, the lower house session will consider the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Amendment Ordinance today.

It will also be brought up during the session to draw attention to Pakistan’s inferior rating in the Rule of Law Index.

To ground PIA planes, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) MNA Aliya Kamran will issue a calling attention notice.

The Senate session

The Senate session’s 39-point agenda, however, had also been released.

In the session of the upper house, three new bills will be introduced.

In the meantime, today’s agenda includes the approval of eleven measures as well as the standing committee reports.

Legislators have been instructed by the government to make sure they attend the sessions today.

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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session is set for today.

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The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly is scheduled to convene today at 3 PM.

The session’s agenda has been published, featuring a resolution for the prompt examination of the Ministers’ Salaries, Allowances, and Privileges Amendment Bill 2024.

The agenda included a motion to deliberate on the Land Use and Building Control Amendment Bill and a proposal to enact the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Land Use and Building Control Amendment Bill.

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