KARACHI: A Pakistani accountability court on Saturday accepted the filing of a new corruption reference against former federal minister Dr. Asim Hussain, Dawn reported.

The reference filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) relates to corrupt practices with in the state-owned Sui Southern Gas Company.

Asim did not attend the hearing scheduled for Saturday, with his counsel citing medical and psychiatric problems. In addition, jail authorities claim that the Zardari–aide is suffering from seizures.

Saad Qureshi, presiding the hearing as both the accountability and administrative judge, asked the defense counsel of Asim to submit a detailed medical report during the next hearing, scheduled for March 17, as the prime accused did not attend the hearing.

Under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) section 265C, Asim was to be presented with documents today, which would have detailed the allegations he stands accused of in order for him to completely understand the allegations leveled against him.

Due to his absence, he will be presented with the documents at the next hearing.

Asim was also to be presented in an anti-terrorism court, but jail authorities submitted a medical report informing the court regarding the former federal ministers absence from the hearing.