Mohammad Asif’s fate remains in the balance with Nadeem Akram, the PCB official handling the case, set to return home from Dubai where the fast bowler has been detained since June 1 for the possession of an illegal substance.
Akram said an official from the Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi will handle the case and was optimistic about Asif’s release.
“I am returning home tonight, but I am hopeful of an early release (for Asif),” Akram told PTI. Though Asif’s lawyers are continuing to pursue the case, Akram said there was no word from the Dubai Attorney General or the public prosecutor’s office on whether to press charges against Asif or deport him.
Asif had appeared before the chief prosecutor on June 5, where he made his statement. He had appeared before the court two days later, following which the public prosecutor’s findings were referred to the Attorney General. The PCB yesterday quashed rumours that the Pakistan government had gotten involved with the case.
Re: Mohammad Asif Arrested in Dubai! - Charges Dropped [Merged]
Although this sentence will not be handed to Asif, its just an example of how strict the laws are on illegal drugs in UAE. We stil havent heard anything on this case. The suspense is killing me man!
Opium smuggler sentenced to life
By Salah Al Deberkey (Staff Reporter)
11 June 2008
FUJAIRAH - The Fujairah Court of Appeal has sentenced an Asian man to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of smuggling around 6kg of opium into the country. The Fujairah Court of First Instance had earlier acquitted the defendant.
Prosecutors had sought re-trial of the accused on the charges of smuggling, possession and abuse of opium, in addition to infiltration.
The accused was trapped by the Fujairah Anti-Narcotics Department while entering the country illegally along with the opium consignment.
During interrogation, the accused claimed that he had brought the opium for his personal use.
The forensic laboratory report revealed traces of the drug in his urine.
Re: Mohammad Asif Arrested in Dubai! - Charges Dropped [Merged]
What happened to Mohammad Asif? Anyone, this is killing me. Friday & Saturday is holiday in Dubai, so we have to wait until Sunday again for a decision. This is too much for the weak hearted.
The Dubai Attorney-General is expected to take up Mohammad Asif's case on Sunday, according to the Pakistan embassy in the city, where the bowler has been detained since June 3 on suspicion of possessing contraband drugs.
An official at the embassy dismissed media reports that Asif was likely to be deported on Friday. "I think if any decision was taken to deport him, we would know about it," the official told PTI. "There has been no development on the Asif front as yet and we are expecting the Attorney-General to handle the case on Sunday after going through the prosecutor's report. He might even take a decision the same day on whether to charge Asif or release or deport him."
Last Sunday Asif appeared before the court, which was adjourned soon after the recommendations of the public prosecutor were heard. After the investigations were completed, the prosecutor's report was submitted to the Attorney-General.
Shafqat Naghmi, the board's chief operating officer, said no progress had been made in the case so far. "Nothing much has moved on it so far. I spoke to Asif this morning in connection with his lawyer. He sounded tired."
The ICC has also taken an official interest in Asif's case now, having written to the PCB and asked to be kept informed about developments in the case.
"The ICC wanted to know what was happening with the case. They have gotten news from the media about it, but wanted to be kept informed about what is happening. We have no problem with that," a board spokesman told Cricinfo.
Should Asif be released from detention and sent back to Pakistan he will face an inquiry from the PCB.
Do Arabs work during week days too or just Sundays. I’ve been hearing same thing for last 12 days that expect some kind of decision on Sunday. pissing me off.
Re: Mohammad Asif Arrested in Dubai! - Charges Dropped [Merged]
If Asif is deported, then it'll likely mean that he won't be allowed to enter or transit through Dubai again. He'll face major problems travelling with Pakistan team in the future, since a lot of flights connect through Dubai.
Proceedings in Asif case to resume on June 22
Cricinfo staff
June 13, 2008
Dubai's Attorney General will conduct an inquiry into the case involving Mohammad Asif, who has been in detention in the country for the suspected possession of an illegal substance.
"Our lawyer has confirmed that Asif's case will start on June 22 and no charges have yet been lodged against him," Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB's chief operating officer, told AFP.
A Dubai court had referred Asif's case to the Attorney General last Sunday after the public prosecutor had completed his investigation and made his recommendations. "We have maintained that Asif is innocent until proven guilty and all speculations on the case are unwarranted," Naghmi said.
Asif had been held at the Dubai International Airport on June 1 after authorities allegedly found a banned substance in his wallet.
If convicted, Asif could face a sentence of up to four years. He is also likely to face an investigation by the PCB.
Re: Mohammad Asif Arrested in Dubai! - Charges Dropped [Merged]
this is result of being ignorant!!!!!!!!!!!>. why in the world he confessed in front of the police officer...... he should know this much from watching movies at least..
Re: Mohammad Asif Arrested in Dubai! - Charges Dropped [Merged]
only bahrain has its weekend on friday-saurday....
all other GCC states have it on thursday and friday....
except for some banks (or some branches) which prefer to give saturdays or sundays off due to their own reasons....
but not the government....
Re: Mohammad Asif Arrested in Dubai! - Charges Dropped [Merged]
I think its high time Pakistan banned Mohammad Asif right away, if we are showing "no mercy" to Shoaib Akhtar then we should do the same to Asif. No one should be allowed to be such "innocent" that you SUI (slap under influence) security staff while carrying "hakeemi dawa" in your pocket. He is another Shoaib Akhtar in the making without the thrill of 160kmph.
