ISLAMABAD: Pakistan federal government has finalized the preparations for Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan appearance before the apex court bench through video call for National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case scheduled to be held today (Thursday), reported ARY News, citing sources.
This will be the first time former Pakistani Prime Minister has appeared in public since being arrested in August last year by Toshakhana case.
The Adiala Jail administration had prepared everything according to orders of Supreme Court for PTI leader’s SC appearance through video link today, sources told.
However, the report quoted ARY News as saying that it is up to the former prime minister if he appears before the bench or not.
Earlier, Supreme Court had allowed Imran Khan to attend court proceedings on NAB amendments case
A Bench headed by Chief Justice Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising of Justice Amin-Ud-Din -Khan, Justice Jamal Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Hassan Azhar heard government’s pleas challenging verdicts on NAB amendment cases.
Subsequently, judges went into a brief huddle among themselves before ordering the Federal and Punjab governments to arrange video link conference from Adiala jail for Khan’s participation in such a way that he remains behind bars after hearing his voice clearly.
Federal government filed review petition in NAB amendment case under Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Law making Federation of Pakistan, National Accountability Bureau and PTI founder respondents, ARY News reported.
It also requested apex court to set aside its decision on this plea which showed that no basic right was violated under NAB amendments. “Legislation is parliament’s prerogative,” pleaded petitioner.
Last September, the highest court of Pakistan struck down changes made to National Accountability Bureau laws when it announced its reserved decision on PTI founder’s plea.
In a 2-1 majority decision, Top court accepted Imran Khan’s petition challenging the changes made to Pakistan’s accountability laws in previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) led government.
On the other hand, Supreme Court of Pakistan has reopened all corruption cases against public office holders which were closed after amendments in NAB laws, ARY News reported.
