Accountability Court judge Bashir retires

ISLAMABAD: After a distinguished 12-year tenure marked by notable legal precedents, Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir has retired.

Appointed to the trial court March 13, 2012, Judge Bashir leaves behind a legacy of landmark judgments in high-profile cases. Throughout his tenure, Judge Bashir garnered attention for his impartiality and commitment to combating corruption at the highest echelons of government. Notably, he convicted two former prime ministers, Nawaz Sharif, and Imran Khan, solidifying his reputation as a fearless dispenser of justice. His verdicts in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references against Nawaz Sharif, as well as the Toshakhana case involving Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, underscored his dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Additionally, he presided over cases involving other prominent figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, and former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, and Yousuf Raza Gilani. Recently, he sought medical leave following his judgment in the Toshakhana case, culminating in his retirement.

Meanwhile, Special Court Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, who had pronounced a sentence in the cipher case involving the PTI founder, has commenced a two-month leave.

Judge Zulqarnain, who was overseeing crucial cases at the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), leaves behind a potential delay in proceedings during his absence.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has initiated steps to appoint a replacement judge for the hearing of important cases during Zulqarnain’s leave. In this regard, a proposal to designate Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Ali Warraich as ATC Judge 2 has been forwarded to the law ministry. Judge Zulqarnain’s leave is scheduled until April 26.