Daily Times

KARACHI – Former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain on Tuesday has been admitted in Jinnah Hospital after medical board stated that the terror accused is suffering from depression and psychological problems, a private TV channel reported.

Dr Asim was shifted to the hospital today for a medical checkup. The board diagnosed the alleged patient with neurological issues. The hospital administration stated that the report of the accused would be forwarded to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) which is pursuing a corruption reference against him.

On the other hand, Sindh government has appointed Hyderabad’s senior lawyer Ayaz Tunio as special public prosecutor in terror case against Dr Asim in an anti-terrorism court (ATC). Tunio has replaced Nisar Durrani, the now Sindh advocate general. A notification of appointment of fresh prosecutor will be issued today.

Earlier, an accountability court on Monday further extended the remand of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain to National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) for 10 more days over his alleged offences that can be tried under NAB’s Ordinance, 1999.

Dr Asim is facing charges of money laundering, making illegal appointments and granting contracts after taking bribes while misusing his powers as the petroleum minister. During Monday’s hearing, Dr Asim’s counsel opposed NAB’s request for extension in the remand, stating that his client has been in remand for 145 days but the investigators have failed to produce any authentic evidence against him.