The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has made a significant decision regarding the treatment of lawmakers and politicians in its ongoing investigations against them.
In a bid to ensure fairness and transparency, NAB has announced that lawmakers would not be arrested solely based on complaints and allegations, even during the inquiry stage.
Sources within NAB revealed that the decision was made during a meeting between the NAB chairman and the National Assembly speaker.
The meeting decided that in cases of complaints against lawmakers, newly formed standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be followed, as per sources. They added that in order to provide legal cover for the new SOPs, the NAB chief sought the help of the speaker.
Under the new protocol, the National Assembly speaker and the Senate chairman would be promptly informed about any complaints lodged against a member of parliament. Furthermore, sources emphasized that no lawmaker or politician will be targeted for revenge based solely on allegations.
NAB officials have been instructed not to provide statements to the media or the public during the inquiry stage. Instead, statements against the individual concerned will only be issued after a reference is filed in court.
Severe penalties have also 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.
