Pakistan

NAB law explainer: Anti-graft body now restricted to corruption over Rs500m

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

Pakistan anti-corruption law has been further amended, on the recommendation of the national assembly’s standing committee on law and justice. After which, on Wednesday, the national assembly passed the National Accountability (Second Amendment) Act 2022.

This is the second time the law has been altered by the coalition government, since coming to power in April. Previously changes were made to the anti-corruption law in May.

It is important to mention that the PTI has challenged the changes made to the anti-graft legislation in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which is expected to take up the case soon.

What new revisions have been made to the law that governs the National Accountability Bureau? Geo.tv lists down the changes:

Now an offence will fall under the NAB law only if a person commits corruption of the value of more than Rs.500 million. This means that NAB “has been fixed to take action against only mega scandals,” stated the standing committee when approving the amendments.
Previously, the prosecutor general’s term was non-extendable. Now the three-year-term can be extended.
After an investigation is completed by NAB, no supplementary reference can be filed in a case unless new evidence comes to light.
Earlier the NAB chairman could call “any person” or request “any document” during an inquiry. As per the revisions, now the accountability body can only summon those people and documents relevant to the inquiry or investigation.
Previously the chairman NAB, with approval from the court, could direct any suspicious person’s surveillance and seek the assistance of any government agency. This section has been removed.
Under the earlier law, banks and financial institutions were to report unusual or large transactions to the NAB. Now, the law states that the transactions should be over Rs. 2 million to be considered “unusual”.
At the time of the arrest, the NAB will have to inform the person of the charges against him/her, and any person called to provide information shall be informed of the allegations so the person is able file a defense.
Earlier the NAB law stated that if someone absconds, to avoid being served or evades punishment, he/she will be guilty of an offence with three years’ imprisonment. This has been omitted.
Even after a reference is filed the NAB chairman can withdraw the case if it is “unjustified”, before the charges are framed.
A person entering into a plea bargain or voluntary return shall not prejudice the case of another accused
If it comes to light that the plea bargain was a result of duress or coercion, during the inquiry, the court may recall the plea bargain
Earlier the amount from plea bargain and voluntary returns was to be deposited with the federal or provincial government within one month. That has been omitted.

Entertainment

UAE grants Aiman Khan a Golden Visa

Published

12 hours ago

Farwa

The actress Aiman Khan has notified her fans and followers that the United Arab Emirates has granted her a Golden Visa.

Renowned for her dramatic roles in plays like “Ghar Titli Ka Par,” “Meri Beti,” and “Ishq Tamasha,” Aiman Khan has been spotted putting more emphasis on her personal life with her spouse, fellow actress Muneeb Butt, and moving away from the entertainment industry recently.

Instagram users saw Aiman Khan post a photo of herself receiving the Golden Visa from UAE officials.

The actress was shown gratitude in the caption for the extraordinary hospitality and kind welcome she received from the Dubai government.

Aiman Khan is shown in the accompanying photo, probably when applying for a visa, looking smart in black among representatives from the United Arab Emirates.

Fascinatingly, Aiman Khan’s spouse, Muneeb Butt, previously uploaded a comparable Instagram picture revealing his triumphant Golden Visa acquisition.

Often taking his wife, Aiman Khan, along, Muneeb Butt travels to Dubai for business and pleasure. Even after their daughter Amal was born, the well-known couple continued to observe this habit.

Furthermore, Miral, their second daughter, made her first vacation outside of Pakistan when they recently took her to Dubai.

“Dubai holds a special place in my heart, from memorable vacations to productive work trips,” Muneeb Butt complimented in the description.

Business

Exchange achieves all-time high: KSE-100 index surpasses 72,500 points

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

With the benchmark KSE-100 index hitting a record-breaking high of 72,501 points, the Karachi Stock Exchange saw yet another incredible rise.

Within Pakistan’s financial environment, investors demonstrated a strong sense of trust in the market as the bullish trend continued.

As a result of the significant inflow of investment and optimism among market players, the index had an amazing 450-point rise during the trading session.

In their analysis of the market’s remarkable performance, financial analysts pointed to a number of causes for the upward trend, such as encouraging economic data, robust company profits, and the government’s proactive measures to promote economic expansion.

The durability and upward momentum of the market have also been greatly aided by continuous infrastructural investments and efforts meant to boost investor confidence.

In the meantime, interbank rates increased by six paisas, and the US dollar’s value saw a slight rise in the currency market. As a result of the current market conditions and the dynamic nature of foreign exchange swings, the dollar was quoted at Rs 278.45 in the interbank market.

Education

Youth from North Waziristan are given an educational and recreational tour by the Pakistan Army.

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

Youth from North Waziristan set off on a three-day enjoyable and enlightening excursion as part of the Pakistan Army’s “Ilm Tolo Da Para” project.

The young participants in the trip had a great time touring some of Islamabad’s most notable sites, such as the magnificent Faisal Mosque, Ayub Park, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Pakistan Monument Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and the picturesque Lake View Park.

The Imam led an insightful workshop for the students at Faisal Mosque, exploring the mosque’s significance and its place in the history of the country.

The youth’s awareness of their country’s legacy was strengthened by their visits to the People’s Heritage and Pakistan Monument, which provided them with valuable insights into the sacrifices made during Pakistan’s founding.

As the eager young people engaged in exhilarating rides, games, and other leisure pursuits, Ayub National Park transformed into a playground where they made enduring memories.

The youth gave the Pakistan Army their sincere gratitude for organising this beneficial event that combined learning with leisure.