PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday removed Dr Asim Hussain from the presidency of the Karachi division, ostensibly due to the latter's ill health and ongoing treatment.

A press release issued by the PPP stated that Bilawal appreciated Hussain's services for the party and that he would be given a new and important assignment upon his return after the completion of his medical treatment abroad.

"Dr Asim Hussain worked dedicatedly for PPP as Karachi Division President despite poor health deteriorated [sic] during his incarceration," the PPP chairman said in a statement.

The Supreme Court on Thursday also ordered the Interior Ministry to strike Hussain's name off the Exit Control List (ECL), allowing him to travel abroad for medical treatment.