Cabinet ignores criticism, okays eight ordinances.

Byline: Amir Wasim

ISLAMABAD -- Despite facing criticism for 'bypassing the parliament and relying on presidential ordinances for legislation', the federal cabinet on Tuesday approved more than half a dozen ordinances, majority of which deal with the judiciary and one specifically relates to amending the NAB Ordinance that may affect high-profile political prisoners in the country.

The cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, formally approved an agreement between Pakistan and India for implementation of Kartarpur Corridor project.

In all, the cabinet approved eight ordinances.

The cabinet also approved a proposal to allow setting up of solar power plants on a 'build, operate and transfer basis' to meet energy requirements of the army, according to an official handout. The cabinet members were told that a large share of army resources was spent on supply of uninterrupted electricity to garrisons, military hospitals and sensitive installations.

Minister rejects impression that NAB law is being amended to target jailed opposition leaders

The official handout also quoted the prime minister as telling the cabinet ministers that the Supreme Court would be asked to review its decision about the condition of advertisement for appointment on honorary posts in policy boards.

In order to bring transparency in governance, the cabinet decided to provide all information about its decisions to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on its request.

Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Law Minister Barrister Farogh Naseem and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan blamed the opposition parties for compelling the government to opt for presidential ordinances for legislation.

The law minister termed it a defining moment for Pakistan, saying that the cabinet approved eight laws of public interest.

The ordinances, which received green signal from the cabinet, included the Letter of Administration and Succession Certificates Ordinance 2019; the Enforcement of Women's Property Rights Ordinance 2019; the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) (Amendment) Ordinance 2019; the Superior Courts (Court Dress and Mode of Address) Order (Repeal) Ordinance 2019; the National Accountability (Amendment) Ordinance 2019; the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Ordinance 2019 and Whistle-Blowers Act.

The most significant ordinance which got the cabinet's nod was the one seeking an amendment to the NAB Ordinance under which those...