ISLAMABAD: It seems there are more tough times ahead for PPP leader Dr Asim Hussain. After completing 90 days in the custody of Sindh Rangers, the former petroleum minister will be handed over to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for investigation of three fresh corruption cases, sources in the bureau told Dawn on Sunday.

Dr Hussain’s 90 day-detention will end on Nov 26 and he will be produced in court on that day for a hearing. There, a NAB representative is expected to seek Dr Asim’s custody in connection with the new cases.

“NAB is a part of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to investigate Dr Hussain’s alleged corruption and his role in terror financing. At the end of the current detention, NAB representatives in the JIT will ask the relevant court to hand him over to NAB,” a senior NAB official said.

Also read: Wife’s plea to keep Dr Asim hospitalised rejected

Bureau investigating allegations of corruption in PMDC affairs, issuance of illegal CNG licences

The bureau is currently investigating three new corruption cases against Dr Hussain. These include: illegal affiliation of medical colleges with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), issuance of licences for dozens of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and other corrupt practices.

When asked how long NAB would keep Dr Hussain in its custody, the official said that would depend on the court, adding that the bureau would seek a physical remand of at least 14 days. A NAB spokesperson refused to comment on the matter since it is sub judice.

According to the NAB charge sheet, Dr Hussain is being investigated for allegedly approving the illegal affiliation of over 20 private medical colleges with the PMDC, and receiving undue benefits from the council for his own medical colleges and hospitals in Karachi.

He was also accused of having issued degrees to doctors after they had failed to pass the compulsory National Examination Board (NEB) test.

NAB was informed that some illegal degree holders had not even appeared in the NEB test and managed to obtain registration with PMDC.

NAB sources said the JIT would also investigate another case related to the issuance of illegal licences for setting up CNG stations despite a government ban. However, the actual number of CNG licences issued on Dr Hussain’s orders is yet to be ascertained.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2015