NAB 'voluntary return' suo moto case resumes in Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday resumed hearing of the suo moto case against the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) section that allows ‘voluntary return and plea bargain’ that allows the bureau to discharge the individual from ‘all his liability’ in the matter.

During proceedings, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan expressed his displeasure and remarked that under this section the authorities are to apprehend the criminal, recover the amounts and let the criminal go with thanks, so he can commit more crimes.

The Chief Justice remarked that under the NAB section in question, officers involved in corruption are even allowed to return to their posts and then continue to pay back the embezzled amount in installments.

The Additional Attorney General of Pakistan informed the court that the parliamentary committee is reviewing the NAB ordinance, to which the Chief Justice expressed his displeasure stating that when matters are not fo be resolved committees are formed to address them.

The Chief Justice also remarked that the Attorney General is usually out of the country. Every time a case regarding public interest is being heard the court is informed the Attorney General is not available; and under such circumstances cases pertaining to public interest will never move forward.

The Additional Attorney General informed the court that the Attorney General is in Washington in connection with the Pak-India Water Issue.

NOTE: The proceedings are underway, and this story will be updated. Please refresh for latest version.