Islamabad (HRNW):The Supreme Court of Pakistan heard a case regarding the determination of the appropriate judicial forum for pending appeals after the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) amendments, including matters related to former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife, and other NAB cases.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar heard the case. The bench also included Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan.
During the hearing, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked which forum would hear an appeal if a High Court rejects a bail application in a NAB case.
Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan told the court that bail and appeals are two separate legal questions. He stated that granting bail is the authority of the court, which decides the matter after reviewing the record.
The Attorney General argued that the right to appeal in NAB cases is a fundamental right and that under recent amendments, the forum for appeals has been assigned to the Federal Constitutional Court. He clarified that the right to appeal has not been abolished.
He further stated that under Article 175F(2), pending cases before the Supreme Court were automatically transferred to the Constitutional Court, adding that the NAB amendment law was introduced in March 2026 and contains provisions regarding its applicability.
During the hearing, the NAB lawyer argued that the NAB Amendment Act 2026 provides the Federal Constitutional Court as the forum for appeals. He maintained that the forum for bail and appeals should not be different.
The NAB lawyer stated that both bail and appeals in NAB cases should be dealt with by the same forum, while adding that courts sometimes examine the merits of a case during bail proceedings.
The bench asked whether all NAB cases had been transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court. The NAB lawyer replied that the cases had not yet been transferred.
The court adjourned further proceedings until 16 July at 11:30 am.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar observed that a two-member bench would be available on 16 July and said a request would be made to the Chief Justice of Pakistan for the formation of a special three-member bench for this case.
Support HRNW
Support independent journalism promoting rule of law, access to justice, accountability, and responsible judicial reporting.
👉 Support HRNW: https://www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
Disclaimer
This report is based on court proceedings, arguments presented by lawyers, and available information. The final outcome of the case will be determined by the court’s decision. HRNW remains committed to impartial, accurate, and responsible journalism.
