Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has put forth the name of Justice Musarrat Hilali, the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), for appointment to the Supreme Court. This nomination marks another significant step towards gender equality and inclusivity within the highest echelons of the judiciary.
Anticipation is high as the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) is set to convene on June 14 to deliberate on Justice Hilali’s candidacy. The issue of filling the long-vacant positions in the apex court has been a subject of informal discussions among the commission members. Following a spirited debate, the Chief Justice has heeded the call for a formal JCP session.
If Justice Hilali’s elevation is confirmed, she will serve on the Supreme Court for the next three years, bringing her wealth of experience and trailblazing career to enrich the jurisprudence of the apex court. It is worth noting that the Supreme Court welcomed its first female judge last year when Justice Ayesha Malik from the Lahore High Court was appointed.
This recent nomination follows a letter penned by Senior Puisne Judge Qazi Faez Isa, urging the appointment of Justice Hilali and Chief Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh of the Sindh High Court to the Supreme Court. The letter highlighted the vacancies that have persisted for nearly nineteen months and emphasized the constitutional mandate of equality and non-discrimination.
Justice Hilali’s legal journey is a testament to her exceptional achievements. From being the first woman to serve as the secretary of the Peshawar High Court Bar Association to becoming the first female Chief Justice of the PHC, she has shattered glass ceilings at every step. Her diverse experience, including serving as the federal ombudsperson for harassment against women at the workplace, brings a unique perspective to the judicial landscape.
As the nation awaits the decision, the appointment of Justice Hilali would not only ensure fair representation for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring female legal professionals. The significance of her appointment cannot be overstated, as it sets a precedent for equal opportunity and paves the way for a more inclusive justice system.