First Woman Chief Justice
Justice Aalia Neelum made history today as she took the oath as the first woman chief justice of the Lahore High Court, marking a landmark event in Pakistan’s judiciary.
The oath-taking ceremony commenced at 9:30 am at the Governor House in Lahore, where Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider administered the oath.
Following this momentous occasion, Chief Justice Neelum proceeded to the Lahore High Court, where she received a guard of honour from well-armed police forces.
Her appointment, along with that of Justice Shafi Siddiqui, was formally approved by President Asif Ali Zardari. On July 3, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, unanimously endorsed her elevation after considering nominations from three judges, including Acting Chief Justice Shujaat Ali Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi.
Who is Justice Aalia Neelum?
Justice Neelum’s career spans over two decades, beginning in 1996. She has garnered expertise across various legal domains, including constitutional law, white-collar crime, civil and criminal law, anti-terrorism laws, NAB cases, banking offenses, special central courts law, and banking laws.
Born on November 12, 1966, Justice Neelum earned her LLB degree from the University of Punjab in 1995. She was enrolled as an advocate in 1996, became an advocate of the high court in 1998, and later was enrolled as an advocate of the Supreme Court in 2008.
Justice Neelum was appointed as an additional judge of the Lahore High Court in 2013 and took the oath as a permanent judge on March 16, 2015.
Educational Background:
- LLB from the University of Punjab, Lahore
- MA in Political Science from the University of Punjab, Lahore
- Diploma in Sharia Law from the Islamic University of Islamabad
- Diploma in Advanced Sharia Law from the Islamic University of Islamabad
- Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights from the University of Punjab, Lahore
- BEd from the University of Punjab, Lahore
Throughout her judicial career, Justice Neelum has delivered 203 notable judgments, showcasing her deep understanding and commitment to dispensing justice.
She notably served as the first woman administrative judge of the anti-terrorism courts across the province, playing a pivotal role in establishing dedicated courts for gender-based violence cases.
Her appointment as the chief justice underscores her dedication and significant contributions to the legal profession, cementing her role as a trailblazer in Pakistan’s judiciary.
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