TLDR:
Judicial Commission reviews LHC judge nominations
Sons of ex-judges, women lawyers dominate list
Concerns raised over minority exclusion
ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — The Judicial Commission of Pakistan has shortlisted candidates to fill 25 vacancies in the Lahore High Court, sparking discussions about representation, transparency, and diversity in judicial appointments. Among the nominees are six relatives of former judges, five women lawyers, and several high-profile advocates. Notably absent from the list are any candidates from minority communities.
Sons of former judges lead nominations
The shortlist has raised eyebrows as it includes six sons of former judges, continuing the trend of familial legacy in Pakistan’s judiciary. Notable names include Saqib Jillani, son of former Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, and Barrister Qadir Bukhsh, son of former Justice Nasim Sikandar. Munawar us Salam, the son of former Chief Justice Abdul Shakur ul Salam, and Haseeb Shakoor Paracha, son of Justice Abdul Shakoor Paracha, also feature prominently.
These familial connections have drawn both praise and criticism. Proponents argue that candidates with strong judicial lineage bring valuable experience and insight into the legal system. Critics, however, have raised concerns about nepotism overshadowing merit, particularly when Pakistan’s judiciary faces increasing scrutiny for transparency and reform.
Prominent lawyers among the nominees
The list includes notable legal professionals who bring extensive experience in advocacy and judicial practice. Advocate General Khalid Ishaq and Haroon Dugal, former secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, are among the prominent nominees. Advocate Pervez, renowned for handling high-profile political cases against the National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency, has also been recommended.
Sabahat Rizvi, who made history as the first woman secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, is also among the nominees. Her nomination has been celebrated as a step towards empowering women in the legal profession, but it also highlights the relatively low representation of women in the judiciary.
Jazeela Aslam, known for breaking barriers as the first woman registrar of the Supreme Court, has been nominated alongside seasoned advocates such as Samia Khalid Mehmood and Asma Hamid. Their inclusion highlights an effort to integrate skilled professionals into the judiciary, though concerns remain about the overall gender imbalance in nominations.
Women’s representation remains limited
The Lahore High Court made history with the appointment of Aalia Neelum as its first woman Chief Justice. Despite this milestone, the representation of women in the current list remains low. Only five women lawyers have been nominated for the 25 vacant positions. While nominees such as Asma Hamid, Sabahat Rizvi, and Samia Khalid Mehmood are being lauded for their professional achievements, the disproportionately low number of women underscores the continued challenges of achieving gender parity in Pakistan’s legal system.
This disparity has reignited debates about structural barriers faced by women in the legal profession. Advocates have called for more inclusive policies that reflect the diversity of talent in Pakistan’s legal community.
No representation for minority communities
Perhaps the most striking omission from the list is the absence of candidates from minority communities. Senior lawyers and activists have criticised this exclusion, calling it a missed opportunity to promote inclusivity in Pakistan’s judiciary. They argue that the lack of minority representation sends a discouraging message about the judiciary’s commitment to reflecting the broader population it serves.
The omission is particularly glaring given the Lahore High Court’s historic role in addressing sensitive cases involving minority rights. Legal experts have urged the Judicial Commission to prioritise diversity and ensure that future nominations better represent Pakistan’s multicultural and multi-religious society.
Policy implications and future outlook
The Lahore High Court has been operating under a deficit, with only 35 judges currently handling an overwhelming caseload. The appointments aim to alleviate this burden and enhance the court’s efficiency. However, the controversy surrounding the nominations has brought renewed focus to the need for judicial reform, transparency, and meritocracy in Pakistan’s legal system.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, a former Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court and now a senior judge of the Supreme Court, has emphasised the importance of appointing individuals who can uphold the judiciary’s integrity. His nominations include candidates such as Rafay Zeeshan Javed Altaf, Haider Rasul Mirza, and Barrister Qasim Ali Chowhan, all recognised for their professional achievements.
As the Judicial Commission convenes to finalise the appointments, legal experts and the public alike are watching closely. The outcome will not only impact the functioning of the Lahore High Court but also set a precedent for how future judicial appointments are made in Pakistan.