Dr Asim confesses to terror and corruption charges, claims investigation officer
Besides terror charges, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has also involved Asim in a case
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Investigation officer has claimed on Monday that former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain confessed to terrorism and corruption related accusations against him.
The investigative officer in the cases has claimed that the accused has confessed to charges against him.
Earlier in the past week, anti-terrorism court (ATC) had given Asim in police’s custody for four days after remand acquired by Pakistan Rangers had expired in November. The Rangers had apprehended Asim around three months ago from Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) office.
The alleged corrupt officer was presented before a court which granted Rangers a 90-day remand in the case.
Asim is accused of providing shelter and treatment to target killers and terrorists in Ziauddin Hospital that he owns. After the 90-day remand expired, a case was launched against him in North Nazimabad Police Station. The case involves terrorism sections.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Sindh ruling party, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) members have also been nominated in the case.
The authorities have stated that Asim had given safe havens to terrorists on requests by MQM leaders including Rauf Siddique, Waseem Akhtar, Saleem Shahzad and Anees Qaimkhani.
On the other hand, PPP’s Qadir Patel used to call on Asim to treat gang war criminals. Anti-terrorism case states that former president, Zardari’s close confidant, Asim had permitted stay of militants in his hospital.
The first information report (FIR) further accuses Asim of graft as he allegedly pocketed bribes to recruit employees in Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Sui Southern Gas as their administrator. He has been alleged of forwarding contracts to companies and different persons whoever ‘offered him the highest.’
Besides terror charges, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has also involved Asim in a case.
A witness, Dr Yousaf Sattar has identified Asim Hussain in judicial court while his statement was recorded. In his statement, Dr Sattar said that terrorists were given shelter in Ziauddin Hospital for alleged treatment.
Police shifted Dr Asim from Gulberg police station to judicial magistrate court under tight security. Dr Sattar said that Lyari gang war operatives and banned outfits’ militants were treated in hospitals. Political party-backed target killers were also given 50 percent discounts, he added.
Dr Asim maintained silence when the court asked him for his comment over witness’s remarks.
On the other hand, MQM s Rauf Siddique vowed to take the case to its conclusive stage. Siddique was granted a four-day protective bail today on submission of surety bonds worth Rs 2 lacs. While talking to the media, he claimed his innocence and said that he is wrongly nominated in the case registered in North Nazimabad Police Station.
Meanwhile, PPP s Senator Saeed Ghani while talking to the media in Bilawal House’s media centre said that the party has reservations over the way Dr Asim was arrested. He said that whatever Dr Asim was made to say in law enforcers’ custody is yet to be taken to trial. The party would review whatever Asim has confessed to in legal boundaries, he added.
However, he said that PPP would accept the court’s verdict in the case as the party has always respected courts.
