NAB failed to link Khawaja brothers to Paragon despite all efforts, rules SC

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has failed to link the Khawaja brothers to Paragon despite all of its efforts. In the 87-page detailed judgment in the bail applications of Khawaja Saad Rafique and Khawaja Salman Rafique, Supreme Court Justice Maqbool Baqir ruled that making of Qaisar Amin Butt an approver means the NAB had no proofs against the Khawaja brothers. “How were the Khawaja brothers included in the matter? How did the NAB take the action over the matter?” he ruled. The court ruled that apparently the Khawaja brothers did not commit the crime to be tried by the NAB. “The case is violation of the NAB law. It is a classic example of the violation of the basic rights, deprivation of independence and insult to human dignity,” the SC remarked. The court remarked that democratic principles as well as the principle of equality and tolerance were ignored in the case against Khawaja brothers. “Corruption, nepotism, incompetence and intolerance have permeated in our society.” It observed that unnecessary questions were put by the NAB to the applicants. “A civil case sub judice in the subordinate court was included in the reference. Steps against corruption should be as per the mandate,” it remarked. The judgment further said that the NAB Ordinance was promulgated during the military rule. “It is generally perceived that the NAB Ordinance was formulated for political revenge. People’s credibility of the NAB impartiality was affected due to its unequal attitude.” The court observed that the NAB is reluctant to take action against a political party, while a lot of people from other side were arrested for a long period. “Such behavior is not a service to the nation. It will cause an irreparable loss,” it remarked. The judgment ended with a poem by Habib Jalib. “Zulm rahe aur aman bhi ho Kya mumkin hain tumhi kaho” (Whether oppression and peace are possible side by side, please you tell)