The Supreme Court Friday issued directives to Sindh Rangers to ensure right to effective medical treatment to former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain. Taking up the plea filed by Dr Asim Hussain's wife Dr Zareen Hussain against her husband's transfer from National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICD) during custody, the Supreme Court also issued notices to the parties to the case.
After preliminary hearing of the plea a two-member bench of Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany and Justice Dost Muhammad Khan issued notices to federation through Secretary Ministry of Interior, Province of Sindh through Secretary Home Department, Pakistan Rangers through its Director General Sindh and NICVD through Medical Superintendent to appear on October 07 in the matter.
Appearing on behalf of his client, Abid Zuberi submitted that Sindh Rangers had violated the Sindh High Court (SHC) order, as they took Dr Asim Hussain into custody without getting him discharged from the hospital. He further contended that his client had not fully recovered from the cardiac pain but in Rangers doctor's opinion Dr Asim Hussain had recovered. He urged the court to direct the authorities concerned to shift Dr Asim Hussain to NICVD again for best medical treatment.
Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany observed that he was aware of security situation of Karachi as witnesses in various cases like the Wali Babar and the Sabeen Mahmood cases perished in the metropolitan. He plainly said that under the prevailing situation the court had to examine that no untoward happening should take place in the current matter.
Justice Dost Mohammad Khan cited the SHC verdict in the matter, saying taking Dr Asim Hussain out of Sindh Rangers' custody could expose his life to danger. Later, the bench issued directives to Sindh Rangers to provide effective medical treatment to Dr Asim Hussain from a doctor of his consent and issued notices to the parties to the case.
The hearing of matter was adjourned till October 07.
PPI adds: Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, on Friday informed the Sindh High Court (SHC) that former federal minister Dr Asim Hussain is being provided with all necessary medical facilities. Rangers' counsel submitted a counter affidavit before the SHC bench headed by Justice Sajjad Ali Shah. The bench was hearing a petition filed by Dr Zareen Akhter, the wife of detained Dr Asim, who sought medical facilities for her spouse.
According to the rangers, they are implementing the high court's direction of providing medical facilities to Dr Asim and now his health is stable. Rangers' counter-affidavit went on to say that Rangers have staff of special doctors who are providing all the necessary medical facilities to Dr Asim. The petitioner's counsel requested the court to give some time for filing a rejoinder. SHC bench while accepting petitioner's request adjourned the hearing till 13th October.