Pakistan: The National Accountability Bureau (Amendment) Act, 2026 has transferred the final appellate jurisdiction in NAB cases from the Supreme Court of Pakistan to the newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The amendment inserts a new Section 32A, allowing convicted individuals or the NAB prosecutor to file a second appeal before the FCC within 30 days of a High Court decision.
How will the amendment affect NAB cases?
Under the revised law, any appeal against a High Court judgment in a NAB reference will now be heard by the Federal Constitutional Court instead of the Supreme Court. The amendment marks one of the first major transfers of appellate jurisdiction following the constitutional restructuring of Pakistan’s superior judiciary.
What does this mean for Imran Khan’s pending cases?
The amendment means that if PTI founder Imran Khan’s conviction in any NAB reference—including the £190 million (Al-Qadir Trust) case—is upheld by the High Court, his final statutory appeal will be heard by the Federal Constitutional Court, not the Supreme Court.
Why is the amendment politically significant?
The £190 million case is widely regarded as the most consequential corruption reference against Imran Khan, with its outcome expected to have significant legal and political implications. While the amendment does not alter corruption laws or the grounds for appeal, it changes the forum that will deliver the final verdict in NAB convictions.
What are PTI’s concerns over the amendment?
According to party sources, the PTI believes the amendment is specifically aimed at Imran Khan, arguing that it could directly influence the legal course of his pending accountability cases. The party maintains that the legislative change will have a significant impact on both the former prime minister’s legal future and Pakistan’s broader political landscape.