SHC throws out Dr Asim's plea for treatment abroad

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Karachi president Dr Asim Hussain suffered a setback on Monday as the Sindh High Court (SHC) turned down his plea for permission to have treatment abroad, ARY News reported.

A division bench headed by Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar pronounced its verdict, dismissing the petition of the PPP leader.

Dr Asim, a close aide of former president Asif Ali Zardari, had petitioned the high court to have his passport back and travel restrictions removed so that he could undergo disc replacement surgery in London as, according to him,  the treatment of such an ailment was not possible in Pakistan.

While dismissing his argument, the court ruled, the treatment of the disease the PPP leader is suffering from was available in Pakistan.

Earlier on May 26 the bench had reserved the judgment after hearing concluding arguments from both parties.

Dr Asim’s lawyer, Barrister Latif Khosa had contended that his name was placed on the ECL without any plausible reason only to deter his client from undergoing medical treatment abroad.

He said Dr Asim needs immediate permission to travel to London to undergo a spinal surgery there or else he would lose his life.

Opposing the PPP leader’s plea, the NAB’s lawyer argued that his name was placed on the ECL following the directives of the court, whereas his passport was also deposited in the court along with the surety amount furnished for bail granted to him in two NAB cases.

The federal law officer said  Dr Asim was facing grave charges prompting the investigating agency to file two references against him and others. His name was put on the ECL in the wake of the NAB’s request and orders of the high court that approved bail for him. He requested the judges to dismiss his plea as he was not entitled to such concession.

Earlier Dr Asim’s lawyer had submitted in the court the schedule of his planned visit to London for medical treatment. He had presented the copy of an air ticket of his client for London of May 07, saying his client was critically ill and wanted to fly for London for medical treatment and was expected return on May 21.