ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday has issued National Accountability (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2021.

According to details, the ordinance has been released after approval from President Arif Alvi.

According to the new ordinance the authority of removing NAB chairman has been taken from Supreme Judicial Council.

In the new draft, the cases pertaining to cheating and fraud have been again handed over to the anti-graft watchdog.

The draft stated that no relief will be given to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

The ordinance allowed to follow the manner of recording of evidence already in place using old system till the installation of electronic devices.

It shall come into force at once and the amendments shall be deemed to have taken effect on and from the October 6, 2021, the draft further read.

President Alvi, last month, had approved the NAB ordinance. Under the amendments, the power to appoint the NAB chief will be exercised by none other than the president himself.

The draft also stated the current NAB chairman will have all the powers till the appointment of a new one and the president will appoint the NAB chairman in consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.