ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi returned National Accountability (Amendment) Bill 2023 to Parliament, stating that previous amendments to accountability laws were subjudice before Supreme Court (SC).

Earlier this month, bill, dubbed “Part two of NRO-2” by opposition had sailed through Senate without being referred to standing committee concerned.

Bill which had already been passed by National Assembly was moved in Senate by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar amid protest by senators belonging to PTI. Legislation proposed by government in March (not only empowers NAB chairman to transfer graft cases involving corruption of less than Rs 500 million to relevant agency, authority or department but also closes pending inquiries and investigations) where they think no case is made out.

In tweet, President’s Office said, “President sent back bill to Parliament under Article 75 (President’s assent to bills) of Constitution.”

Stating reason for returning bill, President Alvi stated that previous amendments to NAB law were already under hearing in Supreme Court.

“This aspect has not been addressed in bill and prime minister’s advice,” he said. President asserted that further amendments to accountability laws “without reviewing effects of pending matter should be reviewed once again”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 01 2023

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