Why Clients Choose Awais Law Associates for NAB & Criminal Defence
Criminal and accountability matters are handled by Advocate High Court Muhammad Awais Ahsan Joiya, who served as Assistant Advocate General, Punjab, representing the Provincial Government in constitutional and statutory proceedings. That government-side experience with how inquiries and prosecutions are actually built is applied directly to defending clients facing NAB, FIA, and other criminal matters — the firm knows what a prosecuting authority looks for, and prepares the defence accordingly.
Facing a NAB inquiry, an FIA notice, or a criminal complaint is disorienting precisely when clear thinking matters most. As a criminal defence lawyer in Lahore, Awais Law Associates provides representation from the moment a call-up notice or FIR is received through investigation, bail, trial, and appeal — treating each stage as an opportunity to shape the outcome, not just react to it.
The firm represents individuals and businesses in NAB references, FIA inquiries (including cybercrime under the PECA Act), fraud and forgery cases, cheque-dishonour matters under Section 489-F, and general criminal defence before the Sessions Courts and Lahore High Court.
Recent update: read our analysis of NAB appeals moving to the Federal Constitutional Court in 2026, including the new 30-day appeal deadline.
NAB Inquiries — Why the First Response Matters Most
A NAB call-up notice is not yet an arrest, and how a client responds at this stage materially shapes what follows. A documented, timely, written response through counsel — rather than silence or an informal explanation given without legal advice — is generally the strongest starting position. Where arrest looks likely, pre-arrest bail can be sought on the same prima facie standard established under the 2022 NAB amendments; this remains unchanged even after the 2026 amendments, which affected only the appellate route after the High Court stage, not the bail standard itself.
Bail — Anticipatory, Post-Arrest, and Interim
Pakistani criminal procedure allows for anticipatory (pre-arrest) bail where arrest is apprehended, post-arrest bail once in custody, and interim bail pending a fuller hearing. Which route applies, and how quickly it can be filed, depends on the nature of the offence (bailable or non-bailable) and the forum — Sessions Court, Lahore High Court, or an Accountability Court for NAB matters specifically. Timing is critical: a bail application prepared and ready before an anticipated arrest is generally in a stronger position than one filed reactively afterward.
What We Handle
NAB Reference Defence
Representation from the initial call-up notice through inquiry, investigation, and (where a reference is filed) trial before the Accountability Court, including the appeal route to the Federal Constitutional Court under the 2026 amendments.
FIA & Cybercrime Defence
Defence in FIA inquiries, including cybercrime complaints under the PECA Act, financial fraud, and cross-border complaint matters.
Bail Applications
Anticipatory, post-arrest, and interim bail applications before the Sessions Court, Lahore High Court, and Accountability Courts.
Cheque & Fraud Cases
Defence in cheque-dishonour cases under Section 489-F, and general fraud and forgery criminal matters.
Criminal Appeals
Appeals against conviction or sentence before the Lahore High Court and, in accountability matters, the Federal Constitutional Court.
FIR Quashment
Petitions to quash a false or legally deficient FIR before it proceeds to trial, where the facts support it.
Our Process
- Immediate review of the notice, FIR, or inquiry documents to assess exposure and options.
- Preparing a documented, written response through counsel where a call-up notice or inquiry is involved.
- Filing anticipatory or post-arrest bail where arrest is apprehended or has occurred.
- Trial representation before the relevant court (Sessions Court, Accountability Court, or High Court).
- Appeal, where required, including to the Federal Constitutional Court for NAB matters under the 2026 framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive a NAB call-up notice?
Respond promptly and in writing through counsel rather than informally. How a client engages at this early stage shapes the inquiry that follows.
Can I get bail before being arrested in a NAB case?
Yes, anticipatory (pre-arrest) bail can be sought on a prima facie standard established under the 2022 NAB amendments, which remains unchanged under the 2026 amendments.
Where do NAB appeals go after the High Court now?
Under the 2026 NAB amendments, certain second appeals against High Court decisions go to the newly created Federal Constitutional Court, with a 30-day filing deadline under the new Section 32A.
Is cheque dishonour a criminal offence in Pakistan?
Yes, cheque dishonour is prosecuted under Section 489-F of the Pakistan Penal Code and can carry criminal liability in addition to any civil recovery claim.
Can a false FIR be cancelled before trial?
A petition to quash an FIR can be filed where the facts and law support it, though this depends heavily on the specific circumstances of the case.
Do you handle cybercrime and FIA cases in Lahore?
Yes, the firm represents clients in FIA inquiries including cybercrime complaints under the PECA Act.