Pakistan’s Senate has approved significant amendments to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws, a move that has sparked debate among legal experts and political observers about its potential implications for ongoing high-profile cases.

Under the newly approved changes, final appeals in cases such as the £190 million reference and the Toshakhana case will no longer be heard by the Supreme Court. Instead, these appeals will be reviewed by a newly established Constitutional Court.

One of the most controversial aspects of the amendments is that the Constitutional Court will reportedly not review the evidence of the case. Rather, its role will be limited to determining whether any constitutional rights were violated during the trial process.

Critics argue that this restriction could prevent appellants from challenging the factual basis of a conviction at the highest level. In practice, even if a conviction were based on disputed or flawed evidence, the new framework may limit the ability of higher courts to reassess those evidentiary details.

Legal analysts say the change shifts the focus of appeals from the merits of the case to procedural or constitutional questions, a move some fear could affect the broader principle of a fair trial.

The amendments have triggered political controversy, with opposition voices suggesting the legal changes could disproportionately impact cases involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan.