The Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to induct another female jurist into the apex court, with the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) moving forward with the elevation of Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Alia Neelam to the country’s highest judicial forum.
The appointment marks another significant milestone in Pakistan’s higher judiciary, aimed at improving gender representation and strengthening the delivery of justice at the highest level. Legal circles and rights organizations have widely welcomed the decision, viewing her extensive professional background and judicial experience as a valuable asset for the apex court’s upcoming constitutional and legal proceedings.
Expanding Gender Representation in the Top Court
Justice Alia Neelam’s elevation follows a path carved by two historic female jurists before her:
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Justice Ayesha A. Malik: Made history in January 2022 by becoming the first-ever female judge appointed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
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Justice Musarrat Hilali: Sworn in as the second female Supreme Court judge in July 2023, after previously serving as the historic first female Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court (PHC).
Justice Alia Neelam, who has also been serving as a trailblazing female Chief Justice at the high court level, brings a wealth of experience to the 17-member apex bench. Official details regarding her formal oath-taking ceremony and immediate assignment of judicial duties in Islamabad are expected to follow shortly.
