Supreme Court Reinstates Controversial Anti-Corruption Amendments

Pakistan's Supreme Court unanimously reinstated amendments to the country's anti-corruption laws, benefitting several leading politicians, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his brother Nawaz Sharif. The ruling, pronounced by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, overturned a previous decision that nullified these changes. The amendments had been challenged by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a remarkable turn of events, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has unanimously reinstated amendments to the nation's anti-corruption laws, providing a significant respite for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his brother Nawaz Sharif.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa delivered the ruling, making effective the modifications which had previously been annulled in September last year. The amendments, originally introduced in May 2023, had come under severe criticism from the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party led by Imran Khan.

Khan had contested these changes, leading to their annulment by the Supreme Court. However, the recent unanimous decision has now restored the amendments, marking a notable victory for the Sharif-led government. The court emphasized that its role is not to act as 'gatekeepers of Parliament' and should whenever possible uphold legislation enacted by it.

(With inputs from agencies.)