KARACHI: MQM-P Criticizes Amendments to NAB Law
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has voiced its disapproval of recent amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law, calling them inappropriate. The party expressed concerns over the extension of NAB remand duration from 14 to 40 days, stating that it will not be beneficial. Additionally, MQM-P criticized the reduction of the minimum sentence for NAB officials guilty of misconduct, describing it as unfathomable.
The party emphasized that the incorrect application of NAB laws has already caused irreparable damage to the country’s economy and politics. In light of these concerns, MQM-P urged a careful reconsideration of the amendments to the NAB law. The recent ordinance approved by acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani has empowered NAB to keep an accused on physical remand for up to 40 days, compared to the previous 14-day limit. Furthermore, the punishment for NAB officials involved in making false cases has been reduced from 5 years to 2 years.
The ordinance was passed amid a hearing of the NAB amendments case by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenged by PTI founder Imran Khan. The previous government had approved amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 in an attempt to limit NAB’s powers.