National Accountability Ordinance 2024 Challenged in Islamabad High Court
Islamabad: The National Accountability Ordinance 2024 has been challenged in the Islamabad High Court. Citizen Malik Najiullah, represented by lawyer Azhar Siddique, filed the petition against the ordinance, naming the Cabinet Secretary, President, Senate Chairman, and National Assembly Speaker as respondents.
The petition argues that the ordinance extends the remand period from 14 to 40 days and reduces the penalty for officers involved in filing malicious cases from 5 years to 2 years. It claims that the new ordinance was not presented in Parliament and violates basic human rights by allowing extended remands and reduced penalties for malicious prosecution.
The petitioner highlighted that, under the new ordinance, suspects in NAB references could face prolonged sentences, which they deem unjust. They argue that the ordinance should be repealed, citing Chief Justice of Pakistan's concerns about the imposition of laws through ordinances without parliamentary approval.
The petition requests that the court declare the National Accountability Ordinance 2024 unconstitutional and annul actions taken under it as politically motivated. It also seeks an order for the disclosure of information to the parties involved.
The ordinance was issued on May 27 with the approval of acting President and Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani.
