The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, has unanimously nominated Justice Aalia Neelum as the first woman chief justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC).
Justice Neelum’s nomination comes after the recent promotions of former LHC Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan to the Supreme Court, which moved her up from third in the seniority list at the LHC. Following Justice Shahzad’s elevation, President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Justice Shujaat Ali Khan as the acting chief justice of the LHC, as stipulated by Article 196.
Justice Aalia Neelum began her legal career in 1996 and joined the Lahore High Court as a judge in 2013. Over the past more than two decades, she has gained recognition for her legal expertise and judicious decision-making.
During the selection process, the commission also reviewed Justice Shujaat Ali Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi as potential candidates but ultimately chose Justice Neelum. Her nomination is now pending final approval from the parliamentary committee.
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In related developments, the JCP has nominated Justice Shafi Muhammad Siddiqui as the top judge for the Sindh High Court (SHC).
Additionally, LHC Justice Ayesha A. Malik has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan, marking another historic appointment as she becomes the first woman judge at the apex court.
