The Senate passed the NAB Amendment Bill 2026 on Thursday, approving proposed changes to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law during a session that triggered sharp criticism from opposition members.
The bill was presented in the Upper House by Senator Abdul Qadir, according to the report.
Opposition Senator Ali Zafar strongly opposed the move, calling the legislation a “slap in the face of the Constitution.” He argued in the Senate that the bill violates democratic principles and could be used by the government against political opponents.
Zafar also claimed the passage of recent legislation, including this bill, appeared aimed at targeting the founders of PTI. He raised objections to the day’s proceedings, saying no private member’s day was observed and suggesting the bill had “originated elsewhere,” reflecting concerns over process and timing.
Ahead of the vote, the government reportedly reached out again to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to seek support for the proposed amendments. Sources said PPP asked for the draft bill before backing it, reviewed the text, and then decided to support it, after which it was passed in the Senate.
Read: Imran Khan Calls for Justice Over Repression, Criticizes NAB Amendments
The matter has drawn attention because it reflects both the government’s need for coalition support on sensitive legislation and the opposition’s wider concerns about how accountability laws are used in politics.
