Karachi: Federal Court has for the first time in Pakistan’s history appointed female judge. 56 year old Ashraf has taken over judge position in Karachi’s Shariah Court. Earlier, she was an additional judge at the Sindh High Court. Oath of the judge was taken by the Federal Shariah Court Chief Justice Agha Rafiq Ahmed.
On the occasion, CJ of Federal Shariah Court Agha Rafiq said the appointment of a woman judge (Ashraf Jahan) on such a high designation is historic. Mr. Rafiq said that purpose of female appointment was to give away a good message to the world. He stated, in constitution there is no gender discrimination. And, there exist no restriction on females to taking over the judge position.
Shariah Federal Court was established during the military rule of Zia ul Haq during 1980. However during the past 33 years, it is for the first time that a woman has taken over the judge position.
The Court is established to keep up check over the implementation of the Islamic laws. Under “Hudood laws” appeals are heard at the court. Agha Rafiq, CJ of the Shariah Court occasionally talks to media. He expressed pleasure to speak out his views on the occasion.