Govt to address US Congresswoman’s concern 

By Nasir Mahmood

KARACHI: The federal government in Islamabad has decided to reply the American Congresswoman Maxine Waters with reference to her queries raised in support of Dr Asim Hussain. Informed sources disclosed that foreign ministry has asked the NAB Chairman to provide detail of the status of the cases initiated against Dr Hussain. It may be mentioned here that a few weeks back Pakistan Ambassador in Washington Jalil Abbas Jilani had assured the American Congresswoman Maxine Waters that Dr Asim Hussain is fully entitled to a fair trial and protection of law like any other citizen in a democratic society. “I am confident that he will get justice in the ongoing judicial proceedings,” the Ambassador said in his letter addressed to Maxine Water. He was replying to the Congresswoman for her letter dated 13th May 2016 regarding the case of Pakistani physician Dr Asim Hussain in which she had expressed her concern over the alarming news of maltreatment with Dr Asim and his hospital staff. Jalil Abbas said, “I have forwarded your letter to concerned authorities in Islamabad with the recommendation that allegations of maltreatment against the detainee be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, I would like to assure you that we have a robust and independent judicial system in Pakistan where political or administrative interventions are strictly discouraged.” Dr Hussain has been a prominent figure not only in the medical profession but also on the political landscape of Pakistan. His personal profile notwithstanding, you will agree that being a citizen of Pakistan, he is subject to the scrutiny and implementation of the laws of the land.