The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday sought time to reconsider its stance in the references against Ahmed Riaz Sheikh and Adnan A Khawaja in light of the recently announced judgements of the apex court in Asghar Khan and Anita Turab cases.
The Supreme Court had stated in both the judgements that government officials were bound to adhere to the constitution.
The five-member bench of Supreme Court comprising Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, Justice Ijaz Afzal and Justice Ijaz Chaudhry was hearing the NRO implementation case.
Justice Jamali observed that the government had disowned Malik Qayyum’s letter to the Swiss authorities.
NAB Prosecutor General K Agha informed the court that it was mentioned in their letter that Qayyum’s letter written to Swiss authorities should be considered illegal.
Justice Khosa questioned if Qayyum had misused his authority as attorney general.
Justice Anwar asked the NAB prosecutor general if he had an intention to file a reference against Qayyum.
Agha informed the court that NAB had completed its inquiry and decided that the matter should be closed.
Justice Hussain said that in the light of Asghar Khan and Anita Turab cases, NAB, which was determined on its stance, should reconsider it.
Justice Khosa said that the government had conceded to the court’s stance after three years and therefore any deviation would be tantamount to misuse of authority.
Agha said that Asghar Khan and Anita Turab decisions should be reviewed.
Waseem Sajjad, counsel for Qayyum, said the court order should not mention that NAB had been directed to initiate another inquiry into the case.
Justice Afzal remarked that the court had not given any directives in this regard.
The court adjourned hearing till December 4.
