SC allows Imran Khan to record statement in NAB amendments case via video link

Accepting the petition filed by former prime minister and ex-PTI chairman Imran Khan, the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday allowed him to testify in the NAB amendments case via a video link a day after tomorrow on May 16, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During the hearing of intra-court appeals filed by the government against the verdict declaring the NAB amendments null and void, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa said if Imran wanted to give arguments in the case, he could do so via a video link.

A five-member larger bench of the apex court, headed by CJP, heard the appeals.

Other members on the bench were Justice Ameenuddin, Justice Jamal Mandokhel, Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi.

The CJP then ordered the government to make arrangements in this regard.

The attorney general of Pakistan, however, said that ex-PTI chairman had not appeared in the court in connection with the case even once. "Therefore, there is no need to summon him in person." 

Justice Athar Minallah said that the former prime minister ought to have been produced in the court. "After all, he had filed the petition against NAB amendments. How can we stop him from appearing in the court."

NAB misused its powers without any fear of accountability, the judge said. “The bureau was used for political engineering. The damage the anti-corruption watchdog caused to the country's economy as well as to individual liberties is no secret, Just look at the suicide note penned down by Brigadier Asad Munir. The fact is that none could bring him back,” he remarked, adding, “Imran is himself a NAB’s victim.”

Justice Minallah said he had no idea whether the bureau was still misusing its powers.

Chief Justice Isa said the court wanted to finish the hearing as early as possible. "This case is not related to the rights of any particular person. This is a matter of interpretation of the law," he opined. 

The CJP remarked that even that person who was not a lawyer but could assist the court, could appear in the court.

He also summoned Khawaja Haris at the next hearing so that he could assist the court in legal matters.

The court then adjourned the case's hearing until 11:30 AM on May 16. 

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori