ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir has withdrawn his request for leave until his retirement, citing sources familiar with the matter. The decision reportedly follows the Ministry of Law and Justice’s rejection of Bashir’s leave application.
Muhammad Bashir, who is scheduled to retire on March 14, 2024, had initially sought leave on the grounds of ill health. In a letter to the Islamabad High Court and the Ministry of Law and Justice, Bashir expressed his inability to perform his duties due to poor health, according to sources.
The judge, known for presiding over cases involving former prime ministers such as Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and others, had also overseen references against former president Asif Ali Zardari. The developments surrounding Bashir’s leave application come against the backdrop of his high-profile role in handling cases involving prominent political figures in Pakistan.
Bashir had requested leave from January 24 to March 14, 2024, but the ministry and high court have reportedly received his withdrawal letter. The judge’s decision to retract his leave application has sparked speculation and raised questions about the impact on ongoing and future cases in the accountability court.
The recent turn of events has many observers closely monitoring the situation, as it could have far-reaching implications for the legal landscape in Pakistan. With Bashir’s pivotal role in high-profile cases, including those involving former heads of state and top politicians, any changes in his schedule or availability are expected to attract significant attention and scrutiny.
As the developments continue to unfold, the handling of Bashir’s leave request is poised to be closely scrutinized and debated within legal and political circles. The potential impact of his decision on the adjudication of ongoing cases and the broader implications for accountability and transparency in Pakistan’s legal system are expected to remain in focus in the coming days.