LAHORE — The Lahore High Court (LHC) granted protective bail to Noreen Niazi on Tuesday, providing temporary relief in a case linked to the National Center for Competitiveness and Industrial Advancement (NCCIA).
Justice Ali Baqar Najafi presided over the hearing. The court’s order prevents authorities from taking Niazi into custody for a set period, allowing her time to approach the relevant trial court for a regular bail hearing.
Niazi, who appeared before the bench alongside her legal counsel, argued that the allegations against her were politically motivated and lacked substantive evidence. Her defense team maintained that she has been fully cooperative with investigators and intends to clear her name through the judicial process.
The NCCIA case has drawn significant attention due to its focus on administrative irregularities and financial oversight. While the prosecution raised objections regarding the timing of the petition, the court opted to grant the protective measure, citing the fundamental right to legal defense.
The legal team representing Niazi emphasized that the FIR registered against her is an attempt to harass her. They informed the court that she was prepared to face the trial but required protection to avoid immediate arrest while navigating the jurisdictional requirements of the case.
The court has directed Niazi to ensure her appearance before the relevant accountability or trial court within the specified timeframe. Failure to adhere to the court’s timeline could result in the automatic expiration of the protective bail.
As the legal proceedings shift to the trial court, the case will likely center on the documentation of the alleged financial discrepancies. For now, the focus remains on whether the defense can sustain its argument that the charges are a byproduct of broader political tension rather than genuine criminal conduct.
