The letter has been duly received by both the high court and the law ministry.
ISLAMABAD: In a letter addressed to the Islamabad High Court and the Ministry of Law and Justice, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir has formally requested leave on grounds of ill health until his scheduled retirement in March 2024.
Judge Muhammad Bashir, who is set to retire on March 14, has sought leave starting from January 24 to March 14, citing health issues as the reason for his absence, reliable sources confirmed.
The letter has been duly received by both the high court and the law ministry. In his communication, Judge Bashir expressed his regrettable inability to fulfill his judicial duties due to his deteriorating health, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Renowned for presiding over significant cases, Judge Muhammad Bashir has played a pivotal role in hearing references against several prominent political figures, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Sayed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Shaukat Aziz, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), among others.
Notably, the accountability court under Judge Bashir also conducted hearings related to references against former president Asif Ali Zardari. The judge’s decision to take medical leave has sparked interest in the legal and political spheres, as his absence could impact the proceedings of ongoing cases.
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While Judge Bashir has served with distinction in the realm of accountability, his decision to seek leave underscores the importance of addressing health concerns for individuals in pivotal roles within the judiciary. The high court and the law ministry are expected to consider and respond to his leave request in accordance with the established legal procedures.
As the legal community awaits further developments, Judge Muhammad Bashir’s dedication to upholding accountability, even in his health struggles, remains a testament to the challenges faced by those on the front lines of dispensing justice in Pakistan.
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