Section 31B: Withdrawal and termination of pending proceedings

13[31B. Withdrawal and termination of pending proceedings. — (1) Prior to filing of a reference, the Chairman, NAB in consultation with the Prosecutor General, having regard to the totality of facts, circumstances and evidence, may partly, wholly, conditionally or unconditionally withdraw or terminate any proceedings under this Ordinance, if such proceedings are unjustified. (2) After the filing of a reference, if the Chairman, NAB in consultation with the Prosecutor General, having regard to the totality of facts, circumstances and evidence is of the view that the reference is Partly or wholly unjustified, he may recommend to the Court for approval where the matter is pending that the reference may partly or wholly be withdrawn or terminated and upon such withdrawal or termination— (i) if it is made before a charge has been framed, the accused shall be discharged in respect of such offence or offences; and (ii) if it is made after a charge has been framed, he shall be acquitted in respect of such offence or offences.]

Effective date: 1999-01-01

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