Summary Pakistan Rangers are likely to present evidences against Hussain in the ATC
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Accountability court (AC) on Friday has sent former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain on a seven-day remand after anti-terrorism court (ATC) had given the custody to National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
The terror accused was presented before the accountability court today.
Earlier in the day Dr Hussain was presented before the ATC after his 14-day remand expired today. ATC gave Dr Hussain in NAB s custody on plea filed by the accountability department as Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto began with the proceedings of the case.
During hearing in the ATC, Sindh Police filed a report that nullified Rangers’ stance and freed the alleged culprit of terror charges. On the other hand, Rangers law officer fought for Dr Hussain s indictment and presented evidences in the court.
Both the law enforcement agencies will ‘wrestle’ in the court from now on in Dr Hussain s case. However, the alleged culprit seemed relaxed and content after being given in custody of NAB.
The paramilitary force s law officer stated that police Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Haider Jamali changed law officer appointed in tehcase without prior informing to the complainant. The investigation officer is favouring the accused, he added.
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The Rangers law officer also said that Dr Hussain has already confessed of providing shelter to terrorists before the joint investigation team (JIT). How a district police officer (DSP) could reject a report put forth by seven senior officials of the JIT, he added.
In his statement, Dr Hussain refused to accept that he ever made any confession. He said that receipts of medical treatment of terrorists which were presented in the court were fake.
Rangers official continued his argument and said that the investigation officer of Sindh Police attempted to ‘be his own court’ and dissolved terror charges. Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto asked the police representative when a comprehensive report would be filed to which he replied December 24.
Rangers will provide evidences against the accused in the forthcoming hearing. The former federal minister is accused of treating criminals and terrorists with head money in his hospital. The groups which used to get medical treatment in Hussain’s Dr Ziauddin Hospital included Lyari gang war’s Siraj Comrade group among others.
Earlier in November a case was registered against Hussain in North Nazimabad Police Station as 90-day remand had expired. The three-month remand was acquired by the Rangers after he was arrested from Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) office.
After registration of the case, the court had given Hussain in Sindh Police’s custody for 14 days.
The apprehension was a controversial development since the start of a targeted operation in Karachi in September 2013. Meanwhile, the accountability bureau had launched investigations against the former federal minister.
Opposition party in the National Assembly (NA), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has severely criticised the ruling party’s move. Opposition Leader in the NA Khursheed Shah had said that if PPP’s leadership is the target then there would be a ‘war’.
The paramilitary force and the federal government have assured time and again that the targeted operation is against elements that hatch nefarious plots to hit country’s peace and stability.
Dr Hussain has been alleged of giving safe havens to terrorists and wanted criminals. The case registered against him states that Hussain was instructed by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders to treat gang war criminals and target killers.
