SHC summons Sindh Police chief in Dr Asim Hussain's arrest case

KARACHI: A Sindh High Court (SHC) bench on Tuesday heard a petition filed against the 90 days’ detention of former petroleum minister Dr Asim Hussain in 2015 by the Pakistan Rangers.

The bench in the hearing today summoned the I.G. Sindh Police in his personal capacity and sought explanation over failing to submit reply in the case.

The bench was hearing the petition filed by Dr Zareen, wife of Dr Asim Hussain.

The bench asked the Additional Advocate General about the reply of the Sindh government and the police department. The government counsel requested for some time for submission of the reply.

The Rangers lawyer told the court that the paramilitary force had submitted its reply in the case around one year ago.

The Rangers counsel in its reply claimed that the paramilitary force had arrested Dr Asim Hussain on the charges of treating and harbouring militants and gangsters in his hospital.

The court ordered the government and Sindh Police chief to submit their reply in the court.

The bench adjourned the hearing of case until April 02.

Dr Zareen, wife of Dr Asim Hussain, said in her petition that Dr Asim’s arrest by the Rangers was illegal. The petitioner challenged the Ranger’s law to keep an accused in custody for three months.

The petition states that Dr Asim’s arrest by the Rangers was illegal. It calls for a discussion on the powers given to the Rangers and its legalities and for the illegal arrests made by the paramilitary force to be made part of the record.