ISLAMABAD: Acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani, temporarily assuming the presidential role during Asif Ali Zardari’s private visit to Dubai, signed two ordinances on Monday, acting upon Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recommendation, which had received approval from the federal cabinet.
The first ordinance, known as the Elections Act (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, introduces substantial changes to electoral procedures. Notably, election tribunals will now feature retired judges alongside serving judges, a departure from the previous setup established by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and the caretaker government.
These amendments effectively lift restrictions previously imposed on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), granting it authority to handle cases involving amounts below Rs500 million. Moreover, the remand period has been extended from 14 to 40 days, enhancing NAB’s investigative capabilities.
The second ordinance, titled the NAB (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, focuses on refining the operations of the National Accountability Bureau. A key revision involves the extension of the remand period for accused individuals from 14 to 40 days, providing investigators with additional time for thorough inquiries.
However, in cases where officers are found guilty of maliciously framing charges, the sentence duration has been reduced from five to two years, aiming to strike a balance between accountability and fairness.
These ordinances signify significant shifts in Pakistan’s legal landscape, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing electoral transparency and strengthening accountability mechanisms. As the country navigates these legal adjustments, the impact on governance and the justice system will be closely monitored, with expectations of fostering greater public trust and confidence in Pakistan’s institutions.
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