Pak Supreme Court declares Deedar Shah ever-ineligible for NAB post

Islamabad, Mar 23(ANI): In what may come as a setback for the Pakistan Government, the Supreme Court has declared Justice (retired) Deedar Hussain Shah ever-ineligible for the post of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman in its detailed verdict.

Justice Shah is at the heart of a raging controversy between the federal government and the judiciary, with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) protesting against the Supreme Court verdict annulling his appointment as NAB Chairman.

In its 33-page detailed judgment, the apex court said that the re-appointment of Justice Shah was made on the wrong advice of the Law Ministry, The Nation reports.

The ministry has no comprehension of the Constitution and law, and therefore Justice Shah has become ineligible for the NAB chairman slot under Section 6-B of the NAB Law.

The judgment said that meaningful consultation with the leader of opposition is mandatory for the appointment of the NAB chairman.

According to the verdict, if any difference of opinion between the prime minister and the leader of opposition arises on the issue of the appointment of the NAB chairman, then this matter would also come up to the Chief Justice for a decision.

The court directed that a fresh, regular appointment be made for the vacant office of NAB Chairman and that of the Prosecutor General without any delay. (ANI)