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In a historic moment for Pakistan’s judiciary, Justice Aalia Neelum took oath as the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday at the Governor’s House, marking the first time a woman has been elevated to the court’s top position read more
 "In historic first, Lahore High Court swears in Justice Aalia Neelum as Chief Justice")
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In a historic moment for Pakistan’s judiciary, Justice Aalia Neelum took oath as the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday at the Governor’s House, marking the first time a woman has been elevated to the court’s top position.
According to Dawn, Justice Neelum’s appointment was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari a day prior to her swearing-in ceremony. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, had earlier endorsed her elevation, alongside nominees Acting Chief Justice Shujaat Ali Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, for consideration as LHC chief justice.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan administered the oath of office in the presence of several distinguished LHC judges, including Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh, Justice Syed Shahbaz Rizvi, and Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza. Notable attendees included Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and the inspector-general of Punjab, added the report.
Who is Justice Aalia Neelum?
Born on November 12, 1966, Justice Neelum holds a LLB degree from the University of Punjab and began her legal career as an advocate in 1996. She earned the status of advocate of the Supreme Court in 2008 and was appointed to the Lahore High Court in 2013, becoming a permanent judge on March 16, 2015.
Throughout her judicial career, Justice Neelum has delivered 203 notable judgments and notably served as the first woman administrative judge overseeing anti-terrorism courts across Punjab. She played a pivotal role in establishing specialised courts for handling cases of gender-based violence and was instrumental in formulating protocols for evidence recording in e-courts across the province.
Stride towards gender equality
Her elevation underscores a broader trend of women achieving prominent judicial roles in Pakistan.
Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar made history in 2018 as the first woman Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, while Justice Ayesha A. Malik became the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court in 2021.
Justice Aalia Neelum’s appointment marks a significant stride towards gender equality and representation in Pakistan’s judiciary, reflecting the country’s commitment to empowering women in key leadership positions.
With inputs from agencies
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