Court can’t directs NAB for play bargain: PHC

Humayun Khan

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to examine the play bargain request of Muhammad Ayub, who is involved in the Kohistan corruption scandal as per law, on Friday.

The s lawyer informed the court that the petitioner wants to enter into a plea bargain with NAB, but the process has not been initiated yet. NAB Deputy Prosecutor General informed the court that Muhammad Ayub is accused of embezzling Rs. 3.40 billion in the Kohistan corruption scandal.

Justice Sahibzada Asadullah observed that it is not the court’s job to direct NAB to enter into a plea bargain with the accused. The court noted that it is up to NAB to decide whether to accept or reject the plea bargain request.

Justice Sahibzada Asadullah asked NAB’s lawyer whether NAB wants to enter into a plea bargain with the accused. NAB’s lawyer informed the court that they had written a letter to the Chairman NAB on July 2 regarding the plea bargain request.

The Chairman NAB has the discretion to decide on the request. NAB’s lawyer also informed the court that they had filed an interim bail application in the accountability court, and any order passed by the high court would affect the case.

PHC divisional bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Khurshid Iqbal directed NAB to examine the plea bargain request and decide according to the law and dispose of the writ petition.

PML-N approaches court for oath-taking on reserved seats: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has approached the Peshawar High Court, seeking a direction for the oath-taking of its elected minority and women members on reserved seats.

The petition has been filed by 7 members, including minority member Suresh Kumar, through lawyers Rahmanullah Shah and Ashfaq Dawoodzai. The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s constitutional bench had restored the elected members on reserved seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, the writ stated. The Election Commission of Pakistan issued a notification on July 2, restoring the members.

The petitioners have approached the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly for oath-taking, but the Speaker’s Secretary has informed them that the oath will be taken during the assembly session. The petition argue that Article 255(2) of the 26th Constitutional Amendment empowers the Chief Justice to nominate anyone to administer the oath. The petitioners have also requested an early hearing, citing the upcoming Senate election schedule announced on July 21.

The writ argue that oath-taking is essential for them to participate in the Senate election and exercise their constitutional right to vote. The petitioners contend that if the oath is not administered, their right to vote may be compromised. The petition has made the Election Commission and the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly respondents to the case.