ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to submit detailed reports pertaining to alleged illegalities, contraventions and violations in appointments of officers with in bureau and extension of their tenure contrary to the Rules. The ranks of the officers, accused of being appointed illegally in country’s regional offices and granted extensions, are BPS 20 and above.
The top court ruled that it would examine the absorption of deputation officers within NAB. The top court also directed NAB to submit a reply over different miscellaneous applications filed for hearing. The top court further sought a complete record of officers’ appointments and promotions. The court, however, asked the Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf to assist the court in the Suo Moto Case (SMC).
The top court on August 17 had taken cognisance against the alleged illegalities, contraventions and violations in appointment within NAB assuming the jurisdiction of Article 184 (3). The cognisance was taken on an anonymous letter mentioning the names of Army officials working within said bureau on deputation. A 5-page concise statement compiled by Additional Director HRM Wing, NAB Niaz Hassan was produced before a three judge bench headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim when it took up the SMC for hearing on Friday.
The report stated that the appointments on the posts of BPS 20 and above within the bureau are made in accordance with the law adding the officers whose names are mentioned in the parts of letter are not presently working on deputation but they were inducted or absorbed in the initial years of establishment of NAB in accordance with NAB Employees Terms and Condition of Services, 2002.
However, while rejecting the NAB’s statement Justice Amir Hani Muslim observed that the officer of civil services cannot be absorbed in NAB adding that Public Service Commission cannot exercise the powers of appointments and promotions even to such an extent. During the course of hearing, the court summoned AGP who informed the bench that all appointments are to be examined keeping in view the record and law. Justice Qazi Faez Isa, another member of the bench, observed that everything comes off in NAB with the discretion of its Chairman.
Justice Amir Hani Muslim observed that the court would see whether the appointments were made in transparent manner and in accordance with the eligibility criteria. He further added the court has the powers to declare anything null and void if it contradicts with provisions of law and Constitution. The court adjourned the case for the third week of October.