The Senate on Wednesday disapproved the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017 after adopting a resolution.
The ordinance was promulgated earlier this month to disqualify for life public servants who avail plea bargains.
“This house disapproves the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, (Ordinance No II of 2017),” read the resolution which was passed after receiving 33 votes in favour and 21 votes against. It was submitted by over a third of members of the upper house on Friday.
Law Minister Zahid Hamid had urged the opposition to withdraw the resolution, saying the Supreme Court had suspended National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s powers to allow plea bargains and voluntary returns. He said the ordinance was laid to present government’s stance and it had public support too.
He said there were certain elements, including Opposition Leader in Senate Aitzaz Ahsan, who were in favour of limiting NAB chairman’s powers. The minister said the prime minister had also set up a committee under the finance minister to examine NAB laws.
Taj Haider, who moved the resolution on Wednesday, said the ordinance was promulgated when the houses of parliament were in session.
Chairman Raza Rabbani said such a comprehensive accountability law should be devised under which the judiciary, civilian government and the establishment could be made accountable.
