Court grants NAB 14-day extension in remand of Dr Asim

Prosecution tells court 80pc probe complete

KARACHI: An accountability court allowed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to keep custody of former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain for 14 more days during hearing yesterday.
NAB prosecution had asked the Administrative Judge Accountability Courts, Saad Qureshi for a 15-day extension in Dr Asim’s remand.
The prosecution said that 80 per cent of the investigation into the PPP leader was complete and another two weeks would be required to complete the remaining 20pc of the investigation and other formalities.
Defence lawyers Amir Raza Naqvi and Anwar Mansoor Khan argued against further detention of their client, citing psychological pressure. The defence counsel contended Dr Asim was physically and mentally disturbed due to his detention, and that the former minister was not mentally active.
The defence said his detention violated certain articles of the law. They maintained that he was not required for the investigation any longer and asked for him to be sent to prison on judicial remand.
Dr Haroon who was ordered to conduct a psychological check up of Dr Asim in his report presented in court yesterday said that the detainee was under extreme mental stress and should be provided with an open and relaxed environment. He recommended conducting medical tests, including an MRI on Dr Asim.
The court directed NAB to arrange the recommended medical tests and medical investigation, take the reports to Dr Haroon and then comply with his directions regarding treatment of Dr Asim