Ombudsman Gives Election Commission Seven Days to Explain Barcode Controversy

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has declined to suspend inquiry proceedings against former National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Director General Saleem Shehzad, allowing an investigation into his alleged unlawful appointment and promotion to continue. The decision came during a hearing of an appeal filed by Shehzad challenging a show-cause notice issued against him. He had requested the court to stay the inquiry until the case was decided, but the bench refused to grant interim relief. A two-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the appeal and directed the federal government to submit its response within three weeks before further proceedings. The case revolves around allegations that Saleem Shehzad’s appointment and subsequent promotion within the National Accountability Bureau were made in violation of applicable rules and procedures. Authorities had earlier issued him a show-cause notice seeking an explanation over the alleged irregularities. Before approaching the Federal Constitutional Court, Shehzad had challenged the notice in the Islamabad High Court. However, after his petition was dismissed, he filed an appeal before the FCC, seeking legal protection against the inquiry. During the hearing, the court did not interfere with the ongoing investigation, effectively allowing the relevant authorities to continue examining the allegations while the constitutional appeal remains pending. Legal experts say the ruling does not determine Shehzad’s guilt or innocence but indicates the court’s reluctance to halt administrative proceedings before hearing the case in detail. The federal government’s reply is expected to play an important role in the next stage of the proceedings. The case has attracted attention because it involves the appointment of a senior official in Pakistan’s top anti-corruption watchdog. Any findings from the inquiry could have broader implications for accountability, transparency and the process of appointments in public institutions. With the inquiry set to continue and the government directed to file its response within three weeks, the Federal Constitutional Court is expected to take up the matter again after reviewing the submissions of both sides. The outcome could shape the future course of the legal challenge brought by the former NAB official.

The Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court has ordered the compulsory retirement of Senior Civil Judge Ayaz Ali after corruption allegations against him were found to be proven following a departmental inquiry. According to the inspection team, the inquiry established misconduct on the part of the senior civil judge. The investigation was carried out in detail by Inquiry Officer Justice Shamsuddin Abbasi, who examined the allegations and submitted his findings after completing the proceedings. The inspection team said the competent authority had initially recommended the judge’s dismissal from service. However, after conducting the final hearing and reviewing all available facts and evidence, the Chief Justice decided to impose the penalty of compulsory retirement instead of outright dismissal. Officials said the decision was made after completing all legal and administrative procedures related to the disciplinary case. The punishment was finalized following a comprehensive review of the inquiry report and the recommendations submitted by the relevant authorities. The inspection team further stated that the Sindh High Court’s order has come into immediate effect. As a result, Senior Civil Judge Ayaz Ali has been compulsorily retired from judicial service in accordance with the court’s disciplinary decision. The action reflects the judiciary’s internal accountability process, under which complaints of misconduct against judicial officers are investigated through formal inquiries before disciplinary measures are taken. The latest order concludes the proceedings against the senior civil judge and has been enforced with immediate effect.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Jordan to participate in a ministerial meeting focused on the worsening situation in occupied Jerusalem, reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause. According to the Foreign Office, the meeting, scheduled for August 5, will bring together foreign ministers from Arab League member states and several Islamic countries to discuss recent developments in Jerusalem and coordinate a unified response to the evolving situation. The Foreign Office said Dar is attending the meeting at the invitation of Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. During the visit, participating foreign ministers are also expected to meet Abdullah II to discuss regional developments and ongoing efforts aimed at addressing the challenges facing the Palestinian people. On the sidelines of the conference, Ishaq Dar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers to exchange views on regional issues, including the humanitarian situation in Palestine and broader Middle East developments. The Foreign Office described Pakistan’s participation as a reflection of its longstanding and principled support for the Palestinian people. It reiterated Pakistan’s position in favor of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital. Pakistan has consistently condemned actions that it says threaten the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, including repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.