ISLAMABAD: Justice Musarrat Hilali, the first woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to serve as a judge of the Supreme Court and the first female Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, retired from office on Thursday. A full court reference was held at the Supreme Court to honour her distinguished judicial career and contributions to the justice system.
The reference was attended by nine judges at the Supreme Court’s principal seat, while seven judges participated through video link.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, while addressing the reference, praised Justice Hilali’s dedication and recalled her tenure at the Swat Bench, where she travelled in an ordinary vehicle despite holding a high judicial position.
“Justice Musarrat Hilali will be remembered as a courageous judge with a smiling personality,” the chief justice said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Justice Hilali said that judges come and go, but the institution of justice must continue to serve society. She said she was satisfied with her career and attributed her achievements to the prayers of her late parents and the support of her fellow judges.
Justice Hilali recalled her journey as a woman from KP who broke several barriers in the legal profession. She said she became the first woman from the province to contest and win a Bar election, later becoming the first female Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court and the first woman from KP to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court.
While speaking about her late parents, Justice Hilali became emotional and said she was grateful to them for helping her reach this stage of her life. She said that although she spent limited time with her father, she learned valuable lessons from him that shaped her life.
During the full court reference, a message from Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan was read out by Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman.
In his message, the attorney general highlighted Justice Hilali’s historic role as the first woman Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court. He also referred to her judicial contributions, including her involvement in cases concerning military courts and the rights of civilians.
Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Pir Masood Chishti also praised Justice Hilali, recalling that she had been part of an elected Bar association cabinet before becoming a judge.
Throughout her judicial career, Justice Hilali remained associated with issues related to access to justice, women’s empowerment, protection of children’s rights and the rule of law. She also represented Pakistan at international forums on matters concerning women’s rights and legal reforms.
