SC allows Dr Asim Hussain to travel abroad for medical treatment

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the removal of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Dr Asim Hussain's name from the Exit Control List (ECL), allowing him to travel abroad for a month to undergo medical treatment.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Dost Muhammad Khan heard the case filed by Dr Asim Hussain seeking removal of his name from the ECL.

Asim was placed on the ECL in November 2015. He subsequently petitioned the courts to have his name removed.

The court ordered the Federal Investigation Agency, the Interior Ministry, immigration and other government institutions to remove Hussain's name from the ECL against a surety of Rs 6 million to be submitted in the trial court.

The court directed that his name should be placed on the list once he returns to Pakistan. The trial will continue in Hussain's absence.

During hearing of the case, the apex bench wondered why those accused of corrupt practices tend to suddenly fall sick.

"We do not have any record of Dr Asim's illnesses from the past," Justice Dost had told Hussain's counsel during the hearing.

When asked about the charges against his client, Khosa told the court that Asim Hussain had been accused of providing treatment to members of banned outfits at his hospital at the behest of MQM.

Justice Qazi Faez Isa, a member of the bench, questioned Khosa on what he meant by that the term banned outfits.

The bench was also critical of NAB, accusing the bureau of making decisions based on personal preferences.

"Does NAB arrest criminals just to release them?" Justice Dost asked.

Reading out its decision, the court said that Hussain was treated discriminately when his name was put on the ECL.

"Religion and the Constitution call for the complete protection of human life," the court said. "NAB's conduct was unfair," the bench said.