SC allows Dr Asim to go abroad for treatment once more

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan directed on Thursday the government to strike off Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Dr Asim Hussain from the Exit Control List (ECL) so he can travel abroad for treatment. 

Dr Asim, a former petroleum minister and PPP Karachi chief, is accused in three cases: two of corruption during his stint in the last federal government and one of facilitating terrorists at his hospital. 

During today's hearing, Dr Asim's counsel informed the bench, comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Qazi Faez Isa, that his client followed the apex court's earlier permission to travel abroad for treatment and return in a month. 

In his remarks, Justice Isa wondered why the implementation of the law is not the same for all citizens. 

Dr Asim returns, says govt’s clash with army not good for Pakistan

The PPP leader said that he wants to tell the Pakistan Muslim League-N leader that he is not one of those who run away from the country

He observed that those with serious cases against them, including treason, are sitting abroad, questioning if anything has been done to bring them back. 

On August 29, Dr Asim was allowed to leave for London for a back surgery and ordered to submit a surety bond of Rs6 million.

Dr Asim, a close aide of former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, was detained by the Rangers in August 2015, while he was heading the provincial higher education department.

He was later transferred to the custody of the civilian law enforcement agencies.

He faces two corruption references filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He is also alleged to have provided treatment and protection to terrorists at the Ziauddin Hospital, owned by him.

His name was first added to the ECL on the NAB's request on November 24, 2015. 

SC allows Dr Asim to travel abroad, orders name off ECL

Asim was placed on the Exit Control List in November 2015. He subsequently petitioned the courts to be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment

On March 31 this year, after 19 months in custody, Dr Asim was released when he secured bail in all three cases against him.

Following his release, he was shifted from the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Complex to the Ziauddin Hospital.

The Sindh High Court, on March 29, approved the former minister's bail request after he furnished his passports that were being held by the Anti-Terrorism Court in connection.