The National Accountability Bureau on Tuesday announced the appointment of retired Justice Shah Khawar as the bureau's special prosecutor.

According to a press release issued by the bureau and acquired by DawnNews, Justice Khawar filled the post on an immediate basis. The notice says NAB has faced difficulty in following its cases due to the absence of a prosecutor general.

The press release says that since important cases are being heard in the Supreme Court and the accountability court in Islamabad, the bureau decided to appoint a special prosecutor instead of waiting for the post of prosecutor general to be filled.

Khawar will be representing the bureau before the apex court, which is currently hearing NAB's appeal challenging the Lahore High Court's order in the Hudaibya Paper Mills reference, the statement says. In the accountability courts in Islamabad, references filed by the bureau against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and members of his family are being heard.

The appointment comes a day after the apex court dismissed an application filed by the NAB, in which the bureau had sought an adjournment of proceedings of the Hudaibya Paper Mills reference until a prosecutor general was appointed.

The apex court, however, was displeased with NAB's application and said that the seat of prosecutor general being vacant does not suffice as grounds for adjournment.

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....