Dr Asim finally granted bail in corruption cases

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Wednesday finally granted bait to former petroleum minister, Dr Asim Hussain on medical grounds.

Dr Asim, the close aid of former President Asif Ali Zardari, was facing two corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for allegedly depriving the public exchequer of Rs462 million by misusing his authority.

Justice Aftab Ahmed Gorar of the SHC accepted bail applications of the former petroleum minister.

Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Zardari had 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.

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Farooq Shah and Muhammad Karim Khan Agha, had, on February 2, given a split judgment in the matter.

Justice Agha granted bail to Dr Asim subject to furnishing a surety of Rs2.5 million in each case and a bond of the same amount to the satisfaction of the court. Also directing the applicant to deposit his original passport, the judge further directed the interior ministry not to issue him a fresh passport until further orders and to place his name on the Exit Control List.

Dr Asim is currently undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.