Musarrat Hilali, a remarkable woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in Pakistan, has made history by breaking the barriers and becoming the first female judge in the country’s highest court. Let’s delve into her background and notable accomplishments, as this milestone in her career deserves special attention

Education: A Foundation for Success

Musarrat Hilali’s path to legal excellence began with her pursuit of education. She earned her Law Degree from the prestigious Khyber Law College, Peshawar University. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for her future accomplishments in the legal profession.

Professional Career: Upholding the Rule of Law

She began her legal journey in 1983 as an Advocate of the District Courts, driven by her dedication to justice and advocacy. Her remarkable skills propelled her career forward swiftly. In 1988, she became an Advocate of the High Court, and in 2006, she attained yet another significant milestone by becoming an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. These accomplishments demonstrated her exceptional legal abilities, earning her respect and admiration from her colleagues in the field.

Activities at Bar: Pioneering Leadership

Musarrat Hilali has consistently broken barriers and assumed leadership roles in the legal community. In 1988, she made history by becoming the first female elected office bearer on the post of Secretary, serving from 1988 to 1989. She went on to be elected as Vice President twice, from 1992 to 1994, and held the position of General Secretary from 1997 to 1998. Her leadership and dedication paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.

Furthermore, Hilali achieved another remarkable feat by being elected as an Executive Member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (S.C.B.A) not once but twice, serving from 2007 to 2008 and 2008 to 2009. These appointments not only reflected her competence and commitment but also demonstrated the trust bestowed upon her by her colleagues.

Appointments: A Trailblazer for Women’s Rights

Musarrat Hilali’s contributions extended beyond the bar as she carved a niche for herself in various appointments. She became the first female Additional Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, serving from November 2001 to March 2004. Her appointment showcased her exceptional legal expertise and paved the way for other women to pursue similar positions in the future.

Additionally, Hilali’s commitment to environmental justice led to her appointment as the first female Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Tribunal. Her tenure in this role emphasized her dedication to preserving and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Furthermore, she was appointed as the first female Ombudsman for Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, underscoring her relentless pursuit of gender equality and safe working environments for women.

Judicial Career: A Journey to the Bench

Musarrat Hilali’s remarkable legal career culminated in her elevation to the bench as an Additional Judge on March 26, 2013. Her exceptional legal knowledge, integrity, and commitment to justice were duly recognized when she was confirmed as a Permanent Judge of the Peshawar High Court on March 13, 2014. These appointments solidified her reputation as a fair and respected judicial figure.

As a First Female Chief Justice of KP

Assuming the role of Acting Chief Justice on April 1, 2023, Musarrat Hilali demonstrated her exceptional legal expertise and poised leadership by taking the oath. Building upon this accomplishment, she further solidified her position in history by being sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court on May 12, 2023