IHC directs NAB to submit reply with seven days on Imran, Bushra’s pleas

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to submit a reply within seven days on the petitions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi had filed the petitions, demanding that the IHC declare the call-up notices of NAB null and void.

“This would not have happened if you had issued the notice in accordance with the rules. The NAB should have told them whether they are being called as an accused or as a witness,” IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq said to the NAB’s prosecutors during the hearing of the case.

“Follow the rules in your notices. If someone is being summoned as an accused, he has the right to defend himself,” he added.

“If the NAB is ready, we can give arguments on the merits of the case,” lawyer for Imran Khan, Khawaja Harris, said.

“We have written and sent details of all the gifts to Imran Khan. We have sent a questionnaire along with the details of the gifts,” NAB deputy prosecutor general Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi stated.

“Are you saying that it is not necessary to provide information at the inquiry level? Did NAB receive any complaint in Toshakhana case?” the IHC chief justice inquired.

“The NAB itself took notice of Toshakhana gifts,” said Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi.

“Does NAB have any evidence or has it made a case only on the news of a newspaper?” the chief justice inquired further.

“The NAB has taken complete records from Toshakhana. It also issued notices not only to Imran Khan but to all the cabinet members,” Muzaffar Abbasi stated.

“Tell me then what record was taken and what was the crime of Imran Khan?” lawyer Khawaja Harris questioned.

“There is no need to argue the merits of the case at this stage,” the chief justice remarked.

The court adjourned hearing of the case till April 27.

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani