Excerpt: This post answers the questions “Who was the first female Chief Justice of Pakistan? Who was Pakistan’s first female Chief Justice? What is the name of first female Chief Justice of Pakistan?”
The judiciary is a pillar of any democratic society, ensuring justice and equality for all. In Pakistan, the judiciary has seen significant milestones, including the appointment of the first female Chief Justice. This landmark achievement not only highlights the progress made in gender equality but also serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Who was the first female Chief Justice of Pakistan?
The first female Chief Justice of Pakistan is Syeda Tahira Safdar. She made history by becoming the first woman to hold the position of Chief Justice of any court in Pakistan. Her appointment as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court was confirmed on July 23, 2018, by the then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar.
Who is Syeda Tahira Safdar?
Syeda Tahira Safdar was born on October 5, 1957, in Quetta, Balochistan. She comes from a family with a legal background, as her father, Syed Imtiaz Hussain Baqri Hanafi, was a lawyer. She completed her primary education at Cantonment Public School, Quetta, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Government Girls College, Quetta. She also holds a Master’s degree in Urdu Literature from the University of Balochistan and a law degree from the University Law College, Quetta.
Safdar began her judicial career in 1982 as the first female civil judge in Balochistan. Over the years, she held various positions, including Senior Civil Judge, Additional District and Sessions Judge, and District and Sessions Judge. She also served as the Chairperson of the Balochistan Services Tribunal before being elevated to the position of Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court.
Throughout her career, Safdar has been an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She has participated in numerous international conferences on law and justice and has contributed to the development of the judiciary in Pakistan.
Women in Pakistan Judiciary
Early Challenges and Progress
The journey of women in the judiciary in Pakistan has been marked by both challenges and progress. Historically, the judiciary was a male-dominated field, with limited opportunities for women. However, over the years, women have made significant strides in breaking the glass ceiling and achieving positions of leadership within the judiciary.
Key Milestones
- First Female Civil Judge: In 1982, Syeda Tahira Safdar became the first female civil judge in Balochistan.
- First Female Chief Justice: In 2018, Syeda Tahira Safdar was appointed as the first female Chief Justice of any court in Pakistan.
- Increasing Representation: The number of women judges in Pakistan has been steadily increasing, with more women being appointed to various judicial positions.
Challenges Faced by Women Judges
Despite the progress, women judges in Pakistan still face several challenges, including gender bias, discrimination, and harassment. These challenges highlight the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality and ensure a safe and supportive environment for women in the judiciary.
Initiatives and Support
Various initiatives have been undertaken to support women in the judiciary, including training programs, mentorship opportunities, and the formation of committees to address issues faced by female judicial officers. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and equitable judiciary for all.
The appointment of Syeda Tahira Safdar as the first female Chief Justice of Pakistan is a testament to the progress made in gender equality within the judiciary. Her journey serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to join the judiciary and highlights the importance of continued efforts to promote gender equality and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Sources: The above answer is based on information from
- Syeda Tahira Safdar – Wikipedia
- First Woman in Pakistan Nominated as High Court Chief Justice – Human Rights Watch
- Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar – Balochistan High Court Web Portal
