Loading...

Pakistan gets female Supreme Court judge for first time

| Updated: January 27, 2022 11:58:32


Pakistan gets female Supreme Court judge for first time

Pakistan has appointed a female Supreme Court judge for the first time in its history.

Justice Ayesha Malik, 55, was selected by a commission that decides on the promotion of judges.

As is typical for Supreme Court judges, she was sworn in on live TV on Monday, with her oath administered by Pakistan's Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmad, reports Reuters.

"I congratulate Justice Ayesha Malik for becoming the first female judge of the Supreme Court," Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a tweet. "She has my prayers and good wishes."

The nine-member body that confirmed her appointment had initially turned down her elevation last year, before voting 5-4 to approve her this year.

Some lawyers' groups criticised the choice, arguing that she was picked despite not being among the top three most senior judges of the lower court from which she was elevated. They have called for objective criteria for the promotion of judges.

Share if you like

Filter By Topic