Judge’s decision in Dr Asim case dismays Chandio

KARACHI: Adviser to Sindh CM on Information Moula Bux Chandio on Monday expressed disappointment over the judgment of the administrative judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court in Dr Asim’s case, saying that justice was not seen to be done in this case.

“Although, we have full faith and trust in courts, such decisions would reduce trust and faith in the judiciary. The Sindh government is not interfering in this case, otherwise the decision would have been different from what happened today,” he told a news conference at the New Sindh Secretariat after the hearing of Dr Asim’s case.

The administrative judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), Justice Naimutallah Phulpoto, on Monday rejected the police’s investigation report that had cleared Dr Asim Hussain of all the terror charges, and sent the case to the trial court for further proceedings.

Commenting on the court’s decision, Moula Bux Chandio alleged that in Dr Asim’s case, all the evidence and testimonies in the favour of the accused were not considered and several mistakes were committed, which should be reviewed by the courts themselves.

He further alleged that prima facie, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its leadership were being targeted by ‘capturing’ and prosecuting Dr Asim but added that the decision to challenge the court’s decision was with the family of Dr Asim.

“No doubt that Dr Asim is a friend of Asif Ali Zardari but he has also served as a federal minister and senator in the PPP government. Is it a crime if we are asking for justice for him and helping him out in getting justice?” he asked, reiterating that Dr Asim was still a provincial minister and a PPP leader.

Sindh’s information adviser further claimed that the Sindh government was neither interfering in the functioning of any institution nor it was creating hurdles for anybody and claimed that the provincial government wanted to improve relationships with the institutions.

He once again expressed confidence over Sindh Police and Rangers’ actions in the province, saying due to their targeted action, the law and order situation had improved, especially in Karachi, but added that Rangers were functioning under a law and they did not expect any lawlessness from the paramilitary force.

He also criticised “so-called supporters” of the Rangers, saying nobody knew these sympathisers who were taking out rallies although it was the Sindh government that supported and backed the Rangers and both had jointly restored peace.

Criticising the newly-established grand alliance, he claimed that they had no representation among the people of Sindh, adding that Nawaz Sharif had created such an alliance in the past too but failed to create an impact in the province.

To a query regarding corruption, he said he was not involved in any kind of corruption but added that the Sindh government comprised thousands of people and he could not defend all of them.