Imran Khan, founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has petitioned the Supreme Court for permission to appear ‘in person’ in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendment case, following his previous appearance via video link, according to ARY News.
Sources indicate that the incarcerated former prime minister submitted a written request to the Chief Justice, seeking permission to attend the hearing in person. This request was forwarded to the apex court through the Adiala jail administration.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the hearing for the NAB amendment case on May 30. Last week, Imran Khan appeared before the Supreme Court via video call after a five-member bench approved his appearance in the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance 1999 amendment case.
The federal government has filed a review plea in the NAB amendments case under the SC Practice and Procedure Law, naming the Federation of Pakistan, National Accountability Bureau, and Imran Khan as respondents. The government is urging the Supreme Court to nullify its previous decision, arguing that the NAB amendments did not violate basic rights and that legislation is the Parliament’s prerogative.
In a 2-1 majority verdict, the Supreme Court had approved Imran Khan’s petition challenging the amendments made to the country’s accountability laws during the tenure of the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government. Additionally, the Supreme Court reinstated graft cases against public office holders that had been closed following the amendments to the NAB laws.