The appointment of Pakistan’s first female Chief Justice for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province is a significant milestone, as two senior Peshawar High Court justices prepare to retire this week.
Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid and Senior Puisne Judge Roohul Amin Khan are both set to retire on 30 and 31 March, respectively.
Upon their departure, Justice Musarrat Hilali will become the senior-most judge at PHC and be designated as the first female PHC chief justice until her retirement on 7 August.
Justice Musarrat Hilali has had a distinguished legal career, serving as the first female elected office bearer, Additional Advocate General, Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Tribunal, and Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment of Women in the Workplace.
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Justice Hilali was promoted to the bench as an Additional Judge in 2013 and confirmed as a Permanent Judge of the PHC in 2014. Despite her impressive record, Pakistan’s Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial has yet to convene a meeting of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) to discuss the nomination of the next PHC Chief Justice.
As a result, Justice Musarrat is expected to be appointed as an acting Chief Justice first and then nominated as a permanent PHC Chief Justice.
Justice Hilali’s appointment is a significant step forward for women’s rights in Pakistan and an important milestone for the country’s legal system. With her extensive legal experience and impressive record of public service, Justice Mussarat Hilali is well-equipped to serve as the first female PHC chief justice and is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing justice and promoting gender equality.
In conclusion, Justice Mussarat Hilali’s appointment as the first female Chief Justice in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s legal system and demonstrates the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality.
Justice Hilali’s distinguished legal career and impressive record of public service make her well-suited for this role, and her appointment is expected to have a positive impact on the advancement of justice and women’s rights in the country.
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Importance of More Females Like Justice Mussarat Hilali in High Court
Having more females in the high court is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to promote gender equality in the legal profession and society at large.
When women are represented in positions of power and influence, it sends a powerful message that their voices and perspectives matter.
It can also encourage more women to pursue careers in law and other traditionally male-dominated fields, which can help to break down gender stereotypes and promote greater diversity and inclusivity.
Secondly, having more female judges in the high court can help to address gender bias in the legal system. Studies have shown that female judges are more likely to take into account the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in legal proceedings, which can lead to more equitable outcomes.
By increasing the number of female judges in the high court, we can ensure that the legal system is more responsive to the needs and concerns of all members of society, regardless of their gender.
Thirdly, having more female judges in the high court can help to promote a more diverse range of perspectives and ideas. When decision-making is dominated by one group, it can lead to a narrow range of perspectives and ideas being considered.
By increasing the number of female judges, we can ensure that a broader range of perspectives and ideas are taken into account, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions to complex legal problems.
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