Words by Smiley Team
Throughout her life, Justice Ayesha Malik has given some transformative judgments in Pakistan’s courts. She outlawed virginity tests for female rape survivors in 2021 and has changed other legislation that discriminated against women.
Now, her efforts have been rewarded with yet another historic victory for gender equality in Pakistan, as she was nominated by five votes to four to join the nation’s supreme court – the first-ever woman to do so.
Lawyers and campaigners have welcomed the news, including a legislator of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf and parliamentary secretary for law Maleeka Bokhari.
"An important & defining moment in our country as a brilliant lawyer & decorated judge has become Pakistan's first female SC judge," Bokhari tweeted.
She added: "To shattering glass ceilings."
The 55-year-old judge was supported by the chief justice of Pakistan, Gulzar Ahmed, and now simply requires confirmation from a parliamentary panel to move her to the supreme court where she will serve until 2031.
Ayesha has the favour of more than enough members to affirm her appointment, said Zahrah Vayani of the Women Lawyers Association, adding that it "is an appointment more than a nomination".
She is known for her integrity and concern for environmental issues, as well as gender equality. Her contributions include creating a course on gender sensitisation and a handbook on environmental laws to influence the handling of environmental matters.
