Summary Police officials refused shifting Dr. Asim from the police station sighting legal complications.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – National Accountability Bureau (NAB) late Thursday night had to return empty handed as police refused to hand over Dr. Asim Hussain to the NAB officials. Police officials stated that the former Federal Minister’s matter of custody faces complex legal issues due to which he could not be handed over to the NAB team.
NAB officials stated that Dr. Asim will be interrogated for 5 charges registered against him which include land grabbing, fraud, unlawful use of official powers, money laundering and kick-back commissions.
NAB had earlier signed all legal documentation for the formal custody of the Chairman of provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC). His investigative officer Altaf Hussain had also been notified of NAB’s intentions. After a go ahead given by high officials, the Bureau’s team arrived at Gulberg police station where Dr. Asim is being held under police custody.
Police have earlier finalized their investigative report regarding the case. Police stated that it had found no evidence linking Dr. Asim s involvement in giving medical treatment or financially aiding the terrorists after which the sections of anit-terrorism were removed from the case registered against him on the Rangers complaint. The section was eliminated on the basis of Artcile 497/Section-2. Officials however stated that the former Federal Minister could be re-arrested if evidence implicating him in the charges was found.
Dr. Asim s family and laywer reached the police station and met with him after the anti-terrorism charges were removed. When NAB s five member team arrived at the police station for Dr. Asim s custody, officers at station initially agreed on handing him over however investigation officers later changed their decision and remained adamant on refusing to hand him over.
According Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation Central Arab Meher, NAB could not be allowed to shift Dr. Asim from the station due to legal complications. Police officials will inform Dr. Asim of the interrogation after he has been presented in the court tommorrow morning (Friday) and NAB officials will only then be able to take him into custody.
