Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir - notable for his involvement in high-profile cases - submitted on Saturday a leave application for the second time, stating that he can no longer continue his duties due to mental stress.
The judge, who recently sentenced PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Tosha Khana case, has requested leave until his retirement in March.
Sources privy to the aforementioned development said that Mr Bashir, facing hypertension attributed to the nature and pressure of his work, finds himself unable to carry on.
This marks his second leave application in the last 10 to 15 days. Notably, last week, the judge submitted a leave application but later withdrew it.
Key cases presided over by Judge Bashir
Judge Muhammad Bashir, currently presiding over the 190 million pound reference against PTI founder Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, has been at the center of attention for his significant role in high-stakes trials.
His earlier involvement in the Tosha Khana case led to the sentencing of Imran Khan and his wife.
It's crucial to recall that Judge Muhammad Bashir had fallen ill during the hearing of the Tosha Khana case at Adiala Jail. Sources had reported a sudden spike in his blood pressure, leading to his removal from Adiala Jail for recovery.
Judge Muhammad Bashir's career has been marked by presiding over cases involving six Prime Ministers, making him a formidable figure in the judiciary.
His court has seen the appearances of former Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Imran Khan, and Shehbaz Sharif.
