News
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
SC seeks explanation from govt for not appointing NAB chief* Court also directs AGP to explain that in what capacity is the NAB acting prosecutor general working
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC), on Tuesday, sought explanation from the government for not appointing National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman and prosecutor general.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Javed Iqbal, heard the petition against the disqualification of NAB Deputy Chairman, Javed Zia Qazi, filed by the counsel for Al-Jihad Trust, Wahabul Khairi. The court expressed serious concern over the unauthorised payment to the counsel, who is appearing on behalf of Javed Zia Qazi, NAB acting chairman, and asked the NAB to inform the court that who had given approval of this payment on the next hearing.
It is relevant to mention here that NAB had paid Rs 6 lakhs, as fee, to Waseem Sajjad, who is appearing as counsel on behalf of the NAB’s acting chairman.
The court also directed the Attorney General of Pakistan, Maulvi Anwarul Haq, to explain that in which capacity Acting Prosecutor General Akbar Tarar was working and enjoying the perks and privileges, although his contact had expired 10 days ago.
Due to the absence of petitioner’s counsel Wahabul Khairi, the court adjourned the hearing till Friday.
The petitioner’s counsel, Wahabul Khairi, submitted in his petition that the NAB Ordinance did not permit appointment of a NAB deputy chairman as acting chairman. He further stated that the post of NAB chairman was a permanent one and could not be vacated according to the law. He said under Sections 7 and 34 A, a NAB chairman could not delegate his powers to his deputy.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk