Summary The corruption accused is being tried for a case in anti-terrorism court (ATC) also
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Accountability Court (AC) has extended former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain’s physical remand till February 9 in case regarding corruption, money laundering and granting illegal contracts.
The accused was presented before the court while an investigation report was filed.
The report alleged Dr Asim of staging shortage of fertilizers during his tenure as federal minister which cost the government around Rs 450 billion.
Report alleges Dr Asim of graft and granting unlawful favours to K-Electric.
The investigation officer requested the court to grant another 15-day extension in former minister’s remand. The defendant’s counsel stated that his client in ill and medical board of Jinnah Hospital has recommended a surgery of his back owing to the pain.
The counsel requested the court to allow shift of Dr Asim to Agha Khan Hospital for surgery. One member of his family should be allowed to stay with him, he added.
However, after hearing the arguments the court rejected Dr Asim’s transference plea.
Earlier in January it was reported that National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had geared up to launch another reference against the former minister. Dr Hussain had allegedly crashed stock market in 2008 with help of the then finance minister.
Sources privy to the bureau had said that investors had lost billions of Rupees in 2008 as shares value had fallen drastically.
The former petroleum minister, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Dr Asim is facing a case filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for alleged corruption.
The corruption accused is being tried for a case in anti-terrorism court (ATC) also.
A case registered in North Nazimabad Police Station alleged Dr Asim of terror facilitation. He is accused of providing shelter to target killers and militants in his hospital in Karachi. The accused has pleaded not guilty to both corruption and terror references.
Sindh Police have long given Dr Asim clean chit in terror case however, Pakistan’s paramilitary force, Rangers are pursuing the case.
