NAB Implements New Policy: Politicians Will Not Be Arrested Based Solely on Complaints or Allegations
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May 11, 2024
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has introduced a significant change in its approach towards lawmakers and politicians under investigation.
In a move to ensure fairness and transparency, NAB has declared that politicians will not be arrested solely based on complaints and allegations, even during the inquiry phase.
According to sources within NAB, this decision was reached during a meeting between the NAB chairman and the National Assembly speaker.
It was decided in the meeting that in cases involving complaints against lawmakers, newly established standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be followed. To legitimize these new SOPs, the NAB chief sought assistance from the speaker.
As per the updated protocol, the National Assembly speaker and the Senate chairman will be promptly informed about any complaints filed against a member of parliament. Additionally, it was emphasized by sources that no lawmaker or politician will be targeted for retaliation based solely on allegations.
NAB officials have been instructed to refrain from making statements to the media or the public during the inquiry phase. Statements regarding the individual under scrutiny will only be issued after a reference is filed in court.
Furthermore, severe penalties have been outlined for any NAB officer found violating the guidelines. According to sources, officers found in violation may face imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of Rs1 million.
