Justice Aalia Neelum was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, marking a historic moment as the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
The ceremony, held at the Governor’s House, was attended by prominent figures including Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Justice Neelum’s appointment was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, following a unanimous decision by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa.
Born on November 12, 1966, Justice Neelum has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades. She earned her LLB degree from the University of Punjab in 1995 and was enrolled as an advocate in 1996. By 2008, she had become an advocate of the Supreme Court and was elevated to the LHC in 2013.
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Sworn in as a permanent judge in 2015, Justice Neelum has delivered 203 exemplary judgments. Notably, she was the first woman administrative judge of the anti-terrorism courts across Punjab, and she played a pivotal role in setting up separate courts for cases of gender-based violence.
Commitment to Justice
Throughout her career, Justice Neelum has demonstrated a strong commitment to justice and legal reform. She was instrumental in creating standard operating procedures for recording evidence and statements during trials in e-courts across Punjab. Her dedication to enhancing the judicial system has earned her respect and recognition, culminating in her historic appointment as Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court. Justice Neelum’s elevation follows the footsteps of other pioneering women in Pakistan’s judiciary, such as Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar and Justice Ayesha A. Malik.
Justice Aalia Neelum’s appointment is not just a personal milestone but a significant achievement for Pakistan’s judiciary. Her leadership is expected to inspire further reforms and progress in the legal system, reinforcing the country’s commitment to gender equality and judicial excellence.