Islamabad Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir has asked the government to grant him leave until his retirement owing to poor health.
Judge Bashir has written to the Islamabad High Court and the Ministry of Law and Justice, seeking leave from January 24, 2024, until the date of his superannuation (retirement) on March 14, 2024.
Sources said that in the letter, he said the sudden downturn in his health does not permit him to continue performing his duties as normal and that this was why he sought leave just weeks before he retires.
A few days ago, while hearing a case in Adiala jail, his health worsened, and he had to be taken to the infirmary in the jail for emergency medical attention.
Medical professionals at the jail infirmary noted that his blood pressure had shot past normal ranges.
Judge Bashir has previously adjudicated in the Al Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal cases, where he sentenced deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain Safdar.
Most recently, he has been hearing references filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana and Al Qadir Trust.
He has also heard the Toshakhana cases against former president Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Yousaf Raza Gillani. He also heard the LNG reference against former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and the rental power projects case against Raja Pervez Ashraf.