IHC dismisses NAB officer Shehzad Saleem’s petition against charge sheet

The Islamabad High Court has dismissed NAB officer Shahzad Saleem’s petition against the charge sheet and declared it inadmissible, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued a written decision on Shahzad Saleem’s petition.

The court declared the petition against the charge sheet issued by NAB on October 10, 2024, inadmissible.

In its verdict, the court wrote that the charge sheet is merely a notice of allegations; it is not a final decision or sentence. 

The purpose of the charge sheet is to provide a fair opportunity to the accused to defend himself.

The petitioner has the right to raise all legal and factual objections before the inquiry officer.

No malice or lack of jurisdiction has been proven in issuing the charge sheet to Shahzad Saleem.

The writ petition against the charge sheet is premature. 

If any negative order comes as a result of the inquiry, the petitioner can approach the relevant forum.

Shehzad Saleem was permanently appointed as NAB officer after his retirement from the Pakistan Army in 2003.

A petition was filed by Nadeem Ghaffar, a citizen of Faisalabad, against the appointment and promotion of the petitioner.

The petitioner's case was also investigated in the light of the Supreme Court's suo motu case.

Reporter: Ehtisham Kiyani