KARACHI – The Sindh government has reappointed corruption-tainted former federal minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Dr Asim Hussain, who is facing corruption charges, as the head of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) by the Sindh government.
Following the decision, Federation of All Pakistan Academic Association has announced the decision to stage a protest against the appointment, claiming the Hussain, in his previous tenure, failed to show performance.
The Sindh chief secretary has issued a notification, stating: “In continuation of this department’s notification of even number dated 28.1.2014 & in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 5 (1) of the Sindh Higher Education Commission Act-2013, the Chief Minister Sindh/ Controlling Authority has been pleased to re-appoint Dr Asim as Chairperson, Sindh Higher Education Commission for one more similar term.”
After the appointment, Dr Asim will enjoy the status of a minister. He had held the same post when he was arrested by Rangers in 2015.
Dr Hussain was facing charges regarding corruption of Rs479 billion and providing treatment and shelter to terrorists at his hospital.
According to NAB, Dr Asim created an artificial shortage of gas during his tenure, causing urea fertiliser prices to increase to Rs1830 from just Rs850.
Due to this, the government provided a subsidy on urea import which caused a loss of Rs450 billion to the national kitty from 2012 to 2013.
