PHOTO: PID/ FILE
Headed by Justice Muhammad Farooq Shah, the two-judge bench allowed time to the prosecutor till January 18. Dr Asim, a close aide of former president Asif Ali Zardari has sought bail in connection with a multi-billion corruption reference made by NAB.
His lawyer, Anwar Mansoor Khan, informed the judges that the petitioner's health condition is worsening and requires complete rest and medical treatment. He is currently under treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.
Khan said two medical boards, which had examined Dr Asim, had advised him to go for a surgery on his back as well as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. The court had earlier granted bail on medical grounds to Dr Hussain in a case relating to alleged treatment of criminals at his private hospitals, he pointed out.
Dr Hussain was subjected to torture in the custody of the Rangers and the medical board had also examined him and suggested proper medical treatment, claimed Khan, pleading the court grant him bail in the JJVL corruption reference.
On the other hand, the NAB special prosecutor requested for some time to enable him to comment on this request. Adjourning the hearing till January 18, the court directed the prosecutor to submit his comments today. It also issued notices to the co-accused and their lawyers for their arguments.
In its reference, NAB alleged that the former adviser and others are involved in Rs17 billion worth of corruption while awarding allegedly illegal contracts of five gas fields in Sindh to Jamshoro Joint Venture Limited (JJVL).
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2017.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ