Sunday, December 22, 2024 08:55 AM
Peshawar High Court dismisses NAB notice against KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur, questioning jurisdiction over the Rs 304 million case.
PESHAWAR: In a significant development, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has dismissed a notice issued by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. This decision comes after a two-member bench, led by Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Waqar Ahmed, reviewed the case on Tuesday.
The background of this case revolves around the NAB's authority to investigate financial matters. According to the law, NAB can only take action in cases where the amount involved exceeds Rs 500 million. In this instance, the case against Gandapur involved a sum of Rs 304 million, which is below the threshold for NAB's jurisdiction. During the court proceedings, the lawyer representing Ali Amin Gandapur emphasized this point, arguing that the NAB notice was not valid.
Furthermore, the NAB prosecutor informed the court that the inquiry against Gandapur was still ongoing, but the notice issued to him had expired. The prosecutor also mentioned that no new notice had been issued and that the amount under investigation might potentially exceed Rs 500 million. This statement raised questions about the validity of the ongoing inquiry.
Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim raised concerns regarding NAB's jurisdiction under the revised laws, reiterating that only cases involving amounts above Rs 500 million fall within NAB's purview. The court ultimately concluded that since there was no new NAB notice pending against the petitioner, there was no basis to continue the case.
As a result, the bench dismissed the NAB notice and disposed of the petition, marking a significant victory for Ali Amin Gandapur. This ruling not only highlights the importance of adhering to legal thresholds in accountability cases but also raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the NAB in handling such matters.
This case serves as a reminder of the legal frameworks that govern accountability in Pakistan. It underscores the necessity for regulatory bodies like NAB to operate within their defined limits to maintain credibility and public trust. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to ensure that justice is served fairly and transparently.