ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Atta Bandial has remarked there should be balance in respect of fundamental human rights.

"If there are rights of common citizen then on other side there are national interest and rights of society. There should be balance among two. Petitioner is linking affording of benefit to an individual to rights of society. How NAB law is detrimental to public interest. This question is very important. If cases go to other forums then what will happen. We need assistance on it, he further remarked.

Petition filed by PTI Chairman Imran Khan against amendment in NAB Law came up for hearing before a 3-member bench of SC presided over by CJP Umar Atta Bandial here. Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan raised question during hearing of case has any been left to whom exemption has not been given from NAB Law. Decisions of Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Tehsil councils have been exempted.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah inquired how any decision can be described wrong without proving financial benefit. Apparently public office holders have been given liberty for decision making.

Khawaja Haris counsel for imran Khan told court recovery of more than Rs 8 billion was made from such decision makers in past.  Justice Mansoor Ali Shah remarked every government decision affords benefit to anyone community. Was recovery made from public officeholders?

Khawaja Haris took plea recovery was made from those who had received money for public office holders. There is no harm unless benefit afforded is illegal. Launching no action in matter of affording illegal benefit to a specific officer is wrong. NAB cannot lay hands on any regulatory authority and government company.  Justice Mansoor Ali Shah inquired from Khawaja Haris whosoever escapes from new amendment in NAB law will get entangle in other law. It seems from your arguments that only NAB can conduct accountability. There are other institutions too for holding accountability.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 20 2022

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