Islamabad: In a landmark decision, the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) unanimously approved the elevation of Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Mussarat Hilali to the Supreme Court. The decision was made during a JCP meeting held in Islamabad on Wednesday, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, according to sources.
Justice Hilali’s appointment as an apex court judge marks a significant milestone, as she becomes the first woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Moreover, she is only the second woman in the history of Pakistan to achieve this distinction.
This historic development follows the appointment of Justice Ayesha Malik as the first woman judge of the Supreme Court in January last year. The JCP, a constitutional body responsible for appointments to the Supreme Court, high courts, and the Federal Shariat Court, played a crucial role in ensuring gender diversity within the judiciary.
Currently, the Supreme Court operates with 15 judges, including the Chief Justice, despite having a sanctioned strength of 17 judges. In light of the vacancies, Senior Puisne Judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa recently wrote a letter to Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, urging him to convene a JCP meeting promptly to address the issue and propose the names of the chief justices of the Sindh High Court and Peshawar High Court for consideration.
Justice Mussarat Hilali legal career
Justice Mussarat Hilali’s impressive legal career spans several notable achievements. Born in Peshawar on August 8, 1961, she obtained a law degree from Khyber Law College, Peshawar University. She was enrolled as an Advocate of District Courts in 1983, followed by Advocate of the High Court in 1988, and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2006.
Throughout her career, Justice Hilali shattered glass ceilings and became a trailblazer for women in the legal profession. Notably, she was the first female elected office-bearer in the post of secretary at the bar from 1988 to 1989 and served as Vice President of the bar twice, from 1992 to 1994. She also held the position of General Secretary from 1997 to 1998.
In addition to these accomplishments, Justice Hilali was the first woman to be elected twice as an executive member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. She made history as the first female Additional Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from November 2001 to March 2004 and later assumed the role of the first female Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Tribunal.
Furthermore, Justice Hilali’s dedication to championing women’s rights and empowerment is evident in her appointment as the first female ombudsman for protection against the harassment of women in the workplace. Her relentless pursuit of justice and commitment to upholding the rule of law have earned her recognition and respect within the legal community.
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Justice Mussarat Hilali’s journey to the bench began with her appointment as an additional judge on March 26, 2013. Her exemplary performance led to her confirmation as a permanent judge of the Peshawar High Court on March 13, 2014. Now, with her impending elevation to the Supreme Court, she will continue to contribute her expertise and bring a fresh perspective to the country’s highest judicial institution.
The appointment of Justice Mussarat Hilali to the Supreme Court not only strengthens gender representation within the judiciary but also highlights the commitment of the Pakistani legal system to promoting diversity and
equal opportunities. Her experience, dedication, and trailblazing achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring women in the legal profession and reaffirm the nation’s progress toward achieving gender parity in all spheres of society.
