(Web Desk Monitoring) — Justice Aalia Neelum shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman Chief Justice in the 142-year history of the Lahore High Court.

The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Punjab Governor Saleem Haider Khan at the Governor House, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in attendance.

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa chaired the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, which unanimously approved her elevation, considering three nominations for the position, including Justice Shujaat Ali Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi.

President Asif Ali Zardari officially appointed Justice Neelum following the Commission’s approval. She now serves as the 47th Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court since 1920 and the 54th overall since the institution’s inception as the Chief Court of Lahore on March 21, 1882.

Simultaneously, President Zardari also appointed the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court (SHC) alongside Justice Neelum’s appointment. The vacancies arose after three high court judges, including the former chief justices of SHC and LHC, were elevated to the Supreme Court last month.

Justice Neelum, born on November 12, 1966, is renowned for her distinguished career spanning over two decades. She earned her LLB from Punjab University in 1995, followed by a Master’s degree in Political Science from the same institution. Additionally, she holds diplomas in Sharia Law, Advanced Sharia Law from the Islamic University of Islamabad, and Intellectual Property Rights from the University of Punjab. She also obtained a Bachelor of Education degree from Punjab University.

Beginning her legal journey in 1996 as an advocate with the Punjab Bar Council, Justice Neelum excelled in Constitutional Law, White-Collar Crime, Civil, Criminal, Anti-Terrorism laws, NAB, Banking Offences, Special Central Courts Law, and Banking Laws.

Recognized for her expertise, she was enrolled as an advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2008. Her dedication led to her appointment as an Additional Judge of the Lahore High Court in 2013, followed by confirmation and oath-taking as a Judge on March 16, 2015. She has authored 203 reported judgments on various legal issues.

Justice Neelum has also served as an Inspection Judge for districts including Okara, Nankana, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, and Rawalpindi. She was the first female Administrative Judge of Anti-Terrorism Courts of Punjab, showcasing her administrative prowess and commitment to the judiciary.