Government prohibits NAB from arresting politicians, parliamentarians
Pakistan
Violation will lead to penalties against the officer
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The government has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to refrain from arresting any politician or elected assembly member.
This decision came following a crucial meeting between the NAB chairman and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday.
During the meeting, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq outlined new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the NAB chairman.
According to these SOPs, in case of any inquiry or complaint against a parliamentarian, the NA speaker, or the Senate chairman will be informed about the matter.
Sources revealed that under the new SOPs, political leaders and parliamentarians would not be targeted or arrested at the inquiry stage to avoid political victimisation.
NAB officers are mandated to refrain from issuing any statements to the media or the public.
The revised procedures stipulate that NAB officers may only issue statements after filing a reference against a political leader or parliamentarian.
Any violation of these SOPs will result in severe penalties, including a one-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs1 million against the officer.
