Former Prime Minister Declares Absence from Forthcoming Elections, Advocates for NAB Court Transparency

In an unprecedented move, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced his withdrawal from the impending general elections scheduled for February 2024. Standing before the media outside an accountability court in Islamabad, Abbasi attributed his decision to his entanglement in cases brought forth by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Expressing a continuous struggle spanning five years against NAB cases, Abbasi referenced a past case that was framed against him and subsequently closed, fostering his confidence in the closure of the ongoing case.

Pushing for transparency, Abbasi emphasized the imperative need for cameras in NAB courts to shed light on case proceedings for public scrutiny. He castigated the existing system, flagging its inadequacy in managing state affairs and raised concerns about the absence of accountability for prevalent injustices within the country.

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When probed about prospective plans regarding a new political party or a departure from the PML-N, Abbasi skillfully sidestepped the inquiries, affirming his resolve to abstain from contesting in the upcoming elections.

Simultaneously, within the NAB court under the supervision of Judge Muhammad Bashir, a hearing on the LNG reference against Abbasi unfolded. Abbasi’s legal representative presented a plea, urging the court to postpone further proceedings until the Supreme Court delivers a verdict on an intra-court appeal linked to the case.

Consequently, the court adjourned the hearing, scheduling the next session for February 13. Abbasi’s decisive withdrawal from the elections, intertwined with the ongoing legal battle, has sparked significant contemplation about the future trajectory of both the political landscape and accountability measures within Pakistan.