Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed “regret” over the Supreme Court’s verdict in the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) amendments case, stating that the judiciary had reinstated what he referred to as “dictator’s law.”

Speaking to the media in London, Shehbaz, who is also the President of the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz), criticized the PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) chairman for amending the NAB law twice through presidential ordinances, which he claimed provided relief to his associates. He raised questions about the involvement of Justice Bandial when the NAB law was being amended through presidential ordinances.

Also Read: Supreme Court Nullifies Amendments to NAB Ordinance

In a highly anticipated decision, the Supreme Court, in a majority ruling, allowed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s petition challenging the amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance 1999 by the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement)-led government during its tenure. The court ordered the reinstatement of corruption cases against public office holders that had been withdrawn following these changes.

The apex court, with a majority of 2 to 1, directed the reopening of all corruption cases involving amounts less than Rs500 million that were previously closed against political leaders from various parties and public office holders. The court deemed the amendments null and void.