Islamabad, October 15, 2025 — The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has taken a crucial legal step to prevent several influential suspects involved in the fake bank accounts and money laundering cases from escaping abroad. Fearing that the suspects might flee following a recent Sindh High Court (SHC) decision, NAB has filed an urgent petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, requesting immediate suspension of the SHC order that directed removal of the suspects’ names from the Exit Control List (ECL).
According to the petition, NAB warned that the SHC ruling could seriously undermine ongoing investigations involving billions of rupees in corruption and money laundering. The bureau argued that if the SHC decision remains effective, “most of the accused are likely to abscond,” jeopardizing the entire accountability process initiated by the Supreme Court itself in 2019.
NAB Challenges Sindh High Court’s Jurisdiction
In its detailed appeal, NAB stated that the Sindh High Court “exceeded its jurisdiction” by granting relief to one of the accused in the fake accounts case, restraining NAB and other authorities from placing the suspect’s name on any travel restriction list in the future — without the court’s permission. NAB described this directive as “extraordinary and legally unsustainable,” adding that it is based on assumptions rather than established facts.
The bureau’s petition highlighted that the SHC granted relief even in cases where plea bargains were involved, pointing out that one accused had already returned Rs 2 billion out of Rs 9 billion to NAB under a plea agreement. NAB argued that such individuals cannot be treated as innocent and should remain subject to travel restrictions until full accountability is completed.
Legal and Territorial Objections
NAB also questioned the territorial jurisdiction of the Sindh High Court, arguing that since the fake accounts cases are being heard in Islamabad’s accountability courts, the SHC had no authority to entertain such petitions. The bureau noted that one of the accused claimed jurisdiction merely because he resided in Karachi and used Jinnah International Airport for travel — an argument NAB says has no legal merit.
“Despite the absence of jurisdiction, the Sindh High Court not only entertained the petition but also directed all federal institutions, including NAB, the FIA, and the Interior Ministry, to remove the accused’s name from the ECL, blacklist, passport control list, and all other travel restriction records,” the petition read.
Reference to Supreme Court’s 2019 Orders
NAB reminded the Supreme Court that the fake accounts investigation originated from a 2019 judgment of the Supreme Court, in which the apex court had specifically barred all accused and their close family members from foreign travel. The bureau raised a critical question: “Can a High Court issue an order that effectively overturns or interferes with directives originally passed by the Supreme Court?”
According to NAB, the SHC’s latest decision conflicts with the Supreme Court’s earlier implementation bench orders, thereby creating a constitutional contradiction that requires immediate clarification by the apex court.
Concern Over “Unusual Haste” in Sindh High Court Proceedings
In its application, NAB expressed concern over what it described as “unusual haste” by the Sindh High Court in concluding the matter. The bureau explained that it received a court notice on September 16, but the case was fixed for hearing the very next day, September 17, giving NAB no time to prepare or file a comprehensive response.
NAB’s counsel formally requested more time to submit arguments, but the request was denied. The court proceeded to announce its decision within 24 hours, directing that the accused’s name be immediately removed from all travel restriction lists. NAB argued that such haste raises questions about procedural fairness and due process.
NAB’s Plea Before the Supreme Court
NAB has now urged the Supreme Court to take up its appeal on an urgent basis to prevent any accused from fleeing Pakistan. The bureau stressed that the fake bank accounts and money laundering cases involve billions of rupees in public funds, and the escape of key suspects would seriously compromise the accountability process.
The bureau further stated that these cases are directly linked to the Supreme Court’s original suo motu proceedings, and thus, any modification of restrictions should only be decided by the apex court, not a provincial high court.
In its concluding arguments, NAB warned that “irreparable loss” would result if the SHC ruling is not immediately suspended:
“Once these powerful individuals leave the country, the entire structure of accountability collapses. It would take years — if not decades — to bring them back under extradition treaties, causing irreversible damage to Pakistan’s fight against corruption.”
Background of the Fake Accounts Case
The fake bank accounts saga, one of Pakistan’s largest money laundering investigations, emerged from a 2015 FIA inquiry into hundreds of suspicious transactions made through benami (fake) accounts allegedly linked to major political figures, businessmen, and bureaucrats.
In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered NAB to take over the investigation, resulting in multiple reference filings in accountability courts in Islamabad. Several high-profile figures, including former ministers and influential businessmen, were implicated. Some accused have since entered plea bargains, while others face pending trials.
What Happens Next
Legal experts predict that the Supreme Court’s response will set a precedent on whether provincial high courts can intervene in cases arising from Supreme Court-led investigations. If NAB’s plea is accepted, the SHC’s order will be suspended, and the suspects’ names will be restored to the ECL, preventing them from leaving the country.
The Supreme Court’s registrar office has reportedly received NAB’s petition and is expected to fix an early hearing considering the national importance and urgency of the matter.
