ISLAMABAD – Supreme Court of Pakistan has dismissed a petition seeking removal of Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal as chairman of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
As per the details, Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar held an in-chamber hearing of the plea filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Noor Awan over the money-laundering probe ordered by Iqbal against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
However, the top judge upheld the objections raised by the apex court’s registrar, who had asked the petitioner to move forum concerned.
Awan had filed the application citing a press release issued by the anti-graft watchdog’s chairman, Justice (r) Javed Iqbal, ordering probe against Sharif.
On May 8, the NAB chief had ordered verification of the allegations against Sharif after taking notice of the media reports regarding alleged transfer of $4.9 billion to India by the ex-PM and others outside the country.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/nab-launches-inquiry-against-nawaz-sharif-others-for-laundering-4-9-billion-to-india/
The Bureau also quoted the World Bank’s Migration and Remittance Book 2016, saying it corroborates the allegations of money laundering.
The application states that the controversial press release was issued in a move to defame the former prime minister, adding that the State Bank of Pakistan had earlier refuted the allegations.
Justice (r) Javed Iqbal did not issue any explanation regarding the ‘flawed’ probe, it said, adding that the press release raised fingers over the credibility of the institution.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/pml-n-mulls-legal-action-against-nab-chief-over-money-laundering-allegations/
The applicant pleaded the court to order investigations into the matter, besides directing NAB chief to tender unconditional apology. It also asked the court to issue an order for removing the Iqbal.
Earlier, Nawaz had demanded the NAB chairman to present proof of the charges within 24 hours or go home, however, NAB clarified that it was not a crime to question corrupt practices.
The NAB statement was also quashed by the World Bank, stating that its Remittances and Migration Report did not mention money laundering or name individuals.
