ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has remarked evidence collected through international legal help remained not acceptable after NAB amendment. CJP gave these remarks while presiding over 3-member bench of Supreme Court during hearing of Chairman PTI petition against NAB amendment. Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah are part of this bench.

During hearing CJP asked Haris that he wanted to ask Makhdom Ali Khan question. He observed we saw thing in amendment law day before. Status of evidence collected through Mutual Legal Cooperation (MLC) had been eliminated. Now NAB itself will have to seek legal services which will cost dearly.

CJP remarked you had said day before that reports of properties have come from foreign countries in addition to MLA. Evidence received through this source are not acceptable as per law. You were to fight on these things in Parliament but you left and went away. 

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah addressing PTI counsel remarked were you to resign from seat you would have vacated it for someone else.

Khawaja Haris said resign was given from seat which was not accepted. Clause related to assets is there in section 9 of NAB. It has been defined as corruption in section 9.

CJP remarked what was value of any asset in past. This can be speculated. Some property dealer can say this property carried what value some years before. NAB should bring some concrete evidence. Real value of assets has not come before.

Khawaja Haris argued amnesty scheme was not protecting property acquired through unfair means. NAB amendment had protected assets accumulated through illegal means.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan inquired has NAB filed edited report. NAB prosecutor replied yes NAB has filed report.

CJP remarked you can say to extent of public office holder. They should not be given this protection. Protection should be there for businessmen.

Khawaja Haris said businessmen also give bribe.

CJP remarked thing is different if matter of corruption comes to fore. NAB law was misused. You should accept it.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked if members of Parliament enact law for their personal interest then don’t give vote to them on next turn. Democracy works this way. There is no need to doubt Parliament without any reason. Let institutions work in their respective parameters. Unnecessary interference is not good.

CJP remarked if there is matter of violation of basic rights then we can take notice on one letter too. We will have to see this letter was sent by whom.

CJP remarked people leave country when opportunity for jobs ends.  Becoming strong politically has become license of survival in country. People elect representatives and send them under some purpose. Motive is this they will ensure governance in country under Constitution.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 02 2023

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