SC takes notice of delay in extension of Judge Bashir's tenure

The Supreme Court (SC) took notice on Wednesday of the request to extend accountability court Judge Muhammad Bashir's tenure to complete the corruption trial against Sharif family and former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to local media reports, the Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar asked the law secretary what measures had been taken regarding the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) request to law ministry to extend the tenure of Judge Bashir.

Ordering the law ministry to inform him the progress, the court has adjourned the hearing. On February 28, IHC had reportedly approved extension of Judge Bashir's tenure.

After the Panama Papers revelation last year in July, the SC had directed the accountability court to complete the hearing within six months. The deadline for concluding the case will end on March 13. The same date will see the end of the extended term of Judge Bashir.

Judge Bashir is currently hearing corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau against the Sharif family and Dar.

Judge Bashir was appointed in 2012 in the accountability court and upon IHC's suggestions in 2015, his tenure had been extended to 2018.