Justice Ayesha Neelum Takes Oath as Lahore High Court’s First Female Chief Justice

Islamabad:Today, Justice Ayesha Neelum will take the oath as the first female Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court, marking a historic moment in Pakistan’s judiciary. The ceremony of her oath-taking will be held at the Governor House, where Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan will administer the oath of office.

Nominated by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan under the leadership of Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Ayesha Neelum received formal approval for her nomination as Chief Justice of the largest province’s highest court, the Lahore High Court.

Following presidential approval, the Ministry of Law issued the notification appointing Justice Ayesha Neelum as Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court. Her career spans over 57 years of legal practice, encompassing constitutional, civil, military, and counterterrorism law. Justice Ayesha Neelum obtained her law degree from Punjab University Law College in 1995 and has since held various significant judicial positions.

She was appointed as an additional judge at the Lahore High Court in 2013 and became a permanent judge in 2015. Throughout her tenure, Justice Ayesha Neelum has delivered numerous landmark judgments on critical issues. Her selection as Chief Justice comes amidst praise for her seniority and expertise in judicial matters.

Justice Shujaat Ali Khan, currently serving as Acting Chief Justice, expressed surprise at her appointment, highlighting the traditional seniority principle in chief justiceship appointments.