Former Minister for Petroleum and Pakistan People’s Party senior leader Dr Asim Hussain has said that gas would not be available in the country next year, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Talking to the media in Karachi on Friday, Dr Asim said that energy has become the top requirement of cities and the industry. He advised government to introduce tough measures to timely save the energy.

Earlier, Dr Asim Hussain - facing charges of corruption worth Rs 462 billion - has challenged the circle of the authority of the accountability court in a plea stating that after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance the accountability court is no more authorized to hear this case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

Dr Asim’s lawyer challenged the circle of authority of the accountability court. During the hearing, the lawyer said that the cases related to the land mentioned in the reference against the former minister were already been heard at the Supreme Court. He added that due to the NAB ordinance and other reasons this case can not be heard at the accountability court.

The lawyer said that Dr Asim’s written statement is ready and will be presented before the court on demand.

The court has sought a response from the NAB prosecutor regarding the plea filed by Dr Asim.

The case has been adjourned till December 12.

Reporter: Mumtaz Jamali