ISLAMABAD – National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 was disapproved through a resolution in Senate on Wednesday.
Taj Haider, on behalf of his colleagues, moved the resolution, “This house disapproves the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, (Ordinance No. II of 2017).” The resolution was passed with 33 votes in favour while 21 in against.
Minister for Law and Justice Zahid Hamid urged opposition to withdraw the resolution or opt for voting.
He said the apex court, taking suo moto, had suspended National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s plea bargain and voluntarily restored sections that had been cut out.
He said the ordinance was laid to present government’s stance and it had public support too.
He said there were certain elements including Opposition Leader in the Senate Aitzaz Ahsan, who were in favour of limiting the powers of the NAB chairman.
The minister said the prime minister had also set up a committee under the finance minister to examine NAB’s law.
Taj Haider said the ordinance promulgated when the session was already summoned.
Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani said a comprehensive accountability law should be devised under which judiciary, civil and establishment could be made accountable under one roof.
