ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday promulgated National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Amendment Ordinance 2021 paving way to extend the tenure of anti-graft watchdog.

According to the ordinance, Justice (retd) Iqbal will remain in his seat till the appointment of a new chairman NAB.

The ordinance stated that Iqbal can also be chosen as a candidate for the new NAB chief slot.

The ordinance stated that the president will appoint the NAB chairman in consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.

"If there is no unanimous decision on the appointment of new NAB chairman, the matter will be referred to a parliamentary committee," the ordinance added.

Earlier today, Federal cabinet had approved the draft of NAB Amendment Ordinance 2021 and forwarded it to President.

The cabinet approved the ordinance through circulation summary.

Meanwhile President Arif Alvi has also accepted the resignation of deputy chairman NAB, Hussain Asghar, and the notification in this regard has been issued.

It may be recalled that a few days earlier, deputy chairman NAB had sent his resignation to the President.