The Senate passed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendment bill by a majority vote on Thursday, despite strong protests from opposition lawmakers.

The legislation allows the term of the NAB chairman to be extended by three years and permits appeals against High Court decisions to be filed in the Federal Constitutional Court.

The Senate session, presided over by Manzoor Kakar, saw Senator Abdul Qadir present the bill as a private member.

Opposition senators protested the measure, with concerns raised over potential misuse and targeting of specific individuals.

Senator Ali Zafar commented that the bill appeared to be tailored for a particular person and could have consequences for future governments.

Leader of the House Ishaq Darne defended the legislation, noting that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had previously passed numerous laws in haste and suggested the opposition could propose amendments on Private Members’ Day.

Senator Kamran Murtaza said the extension of the NAB chairman’s term and the change in the appeal forum were against the principles of justice, while Allama Nasir Abbas staged a walkout, which the chairman dismissed, stating the time for walkouts had passed.

Federal Law Minister Nazir Tarar said Senator Abdul Qadir had no objections to the bill and added that the Prime Minister has ordered an investigation into recent firing incidents involving protesters. He called for national unity, citing the country’s integrity and regional stability.

The Senate session was adjourned indefinitely.