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ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to bring amendments to the newly promulgated NAB Ordinance, 2021.
Sources having knowledge of the matter told that the proposed amendments would empower the national graft buster to investigate cases of cheating public at large and fraud.
Accountability courts would be given powers to determine surety amount a person seeking bail is required to pay as the new NAB law stipulates a surety bond equal to the amount specified in a graft case.
The amendments would be introduced through an ordinance to be issued after the ongoing session of the National Assembly ends.
On Oct 6, President Arif Alvi had promulgated NAB second amendment ordinance 2021, giving powers to his office to establish as many accountability courts, and appoint judges.
Read more: President Arif Alvi signs NAB amendment ordinance
The president, as per the amendment ordinance, will appoint chairman NAB after consultation with the prime minister and opposition leader and in case of disagreement, the matter will be sent to a 12-member parliamentary body having equal representation from treasury and opposition for a consensus.
The new chairman will be appointed for a tenure of four years and the outgoing chairman will continue to serve unless a new chairman is appointed. The new changes included the reappointment of the chairman through the same appointment process.
The amendment also allowed additional session judges to be elevated as the accountability court judges while the trial court will be responsible for granting bail to the suspect as per the NAB ordinance.
