'Big fish' behind cases against me, says Dr Asim

KARACHI - Former Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain, who is under detention for corruption, alleged on Sunday that some "big fish" were behind the baseless cases registered against him.

Talking to newsmen outside the Karachi Anti-Corruption Court, Hussain said: "Big fish are behind the false and baseless cases against me and these fish apparently belong to the time of Prophet Younis (AS)," when asked who was behind the cases against him.

When asked why he was not being allowed to celebrate Eid with his family, Dr. Asim said: "This question should be placed before those who have filed cases against me."

Earlier, the doctor's legal counsel filed a petition in the court seeking permission for his client's neural surgery at Karachi's Jinnah Hospital. The court has yet to decide on the request.

The senior PPP leader has been indicted in a corruption case of Rs. 462 billion along with five others.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) alleged that Hussain abused his position while he was working as petroleum minister to grant tenders to his favored bidders, which caused serious harm to the public exchequer.

He was also charged for misinforming the Council of Common Interests (CCI) on matters related to natural gas. He was also allegedly involved in creating an artificial shortage of natural gas during the PPP government.

Dr Asim Hussain also used unfair means to obtain land from Karachi Development Authority for the Ziaduddin Trust Hospital in Karachi, NAB officials alleged in the charge-sheet submitted against him.