Dr Asim given in NAB custody

Police give clean chit to former minister;
Rangers insist they have evidence against the accused

KARACHI: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday gave former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain in the custody of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

As Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto began with the proceedings of the case, NAB filed a plea seeking custody of the accused.

On the other hand, the Sindh Police have formally given a clean chit to the former federal minister while the Rangers have put up a fight in this regard. Dr Hussain was presented before the anti-terrorism court (ATC) after his 14-day physical remand in police custody expired on Friday.

The police filed a report that nullified the Rangers’ stance and freed the alleged terror culprit of charges. On the other hand, Rangers law officer fought for Dr Hussain’s indictment and presented evidence 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 contented with the verdict as he walked out of the courtroom.

The paramilitary force’s law officer stated that Inspector General of Sindh Police (IGP) Ghulam Haider Jamali changed the law officer appointed in the case without prior information to the complainant. The investigation officer is supporting the accused, he added.

The Rangers law officer also said that Dr Hussain had already confessed to 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 asked.

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 bogus.

Speaking in the court, Dr Hussain claimed that he supported the Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif and the National Action Plan. He said he also supported the current ongoing Karachi operation.

The Rangers official continued with his argument and said that the investigation officer of Sindh Police attempted to ‘be his own court’ and dissolved the accused of terror charges.

Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto ordered the police representative to file a report in the case on December 24.