A Government-Side View of How These Cases Are Built
NAB matters are handled by Advocate Muhammad Awais Ahsan Joiya, who served as Assistant Advocate General, Punjab, representing the Provincial Government in constitutional and statutory proceedings. That experience with how inquiries and prosecutions are actually assembled is applied directly here — the defence is built around what NAB is likely looking for, not just reacting to what has already been filed.
A NAB call-up notice is not an arrest, and it is not yet a reference — it is an inquiry, and how you respond at this stage shapes what follows more than almost any other decision in the process. A documented, timely, written response through counsel is generally the strongest position; going in to explain yourself informally, without legal advice, rarely helps and can genuinely make things worse.
If arrest looks likely, pre-arrest bail can be sought on the prima facie standard established under the 2022 NAB amendments — this standard has not changed even after 2026's amendments, which affected the appeal route after the High Court stage, not the bail test itself. That 2026 change matters for anyone already through the High Court appeal stage: NAB appeals now go to the Federal Constitutional Court, with a 30-day deadline that is easy to miss if you're not watching for it.
If You've Just Received a Call-Up Notice
Do not respond informally, and do not assume the notice will simply go away if ignored. The most common mistake we see is people either panicking and saying more than they should, or ignoring the notice entirely and losing the window to shape the inquiry early. A written response prepared through counsel, addressing the specific allegations, is the standard we work to.
If a Reference Has Already Been Filed
Once a reference reaches the Accountability Court, the matter moves to trial, and the strategy shifts to the evidentiary record — what NAB can actually prove, not just what it has alleged. If the case has already gone through the High Court and you're considering a further appeal, the 2026 amendments mean that route now runs through the Federal Constitutional Court, on a tight 30-day clock.
What We Handle
Call-Up Notice Response
Drafting a documented, timely response to a NAB call-up notice, addressing the specific allegations rather than a general denial.
Pre-Arrest Bail in NAB Matters
Bail applications on the prima facie standard, before an Accountability Court, where arrest appears imminent.
Reference Defence & Trial
Representation from inquiry through to trial before the Accountability Court, should a reference be filed.
Appeals to the Federal Constitutional Court
Handling the post-2026 appeal route from the Lahore High Court to the FCC, within the 30-day deadline.
Our Process
- Immediate review of the notice or FIR and the specific allegations involved.
- Preparing a documented written response through counsel, where the matter is still at inquiry stage.
- Pre-arrest bail application, if arrest appears likely.
- Defence through inquiry, and trial before the Accountability Court if a reference is filed.
- Appeal, including the FCC route where the case has already passed through the High Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I get a NAB call-up notice?
Do not respond informally or ignore it. Get legal advice before you reply, and respond in writing through counsel, addressing the specific allegations. A notice is an inquiry stage, not yet an arrest or a reference.
Can I get bail before NAB arrests me?
Yes, pre-arrest bail is available in NAB matters on a prima facie standard, established under the 2022 amendments and unchanged by the 2026 amendments. Whether it's realistic depends on the specific facts of the inquiry.
Where do NAB appeals go now, after the 2026 changes?
Following the 2026 amendments, appeals from the Lahore High Court in NAB matters now go to the Federal Constitutional Court, with a 30-day deadline to file. This is a change from the previous route and it is easy to miss if you're not tracking it.
What is the difference between a NAB inquiry and a reference?
An inquiry is the investigation stage — NAB is still gathering material and has not formally charged you. A reference is the formal charge filed before the Accountability Court, moving the matter to trial.
Can a company, not just an individual, be investigated by NAB?
Yes, NAB inquiries and references can involve companies and their directors or officers, particularly in matters involving alleged misuse of public funds or corruption connected to government contracts or approvals.
How long does a NAB case typically take?
It varies significantly depending on the stage — inquiry, reference, trial, or appeal — and the complexity of the allegations. We give clients a realistic sense of timeline once we understand where their specific matter stands.