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Ayesha Malik sworn in as Pakistan’s first woman Supreme Court judge

Pakistan has sworn in Ayesha Malik as its first female Supreme Court judge, a landmark occasion in a nation where activists say the law is often wielded against women.

Malik attended a ceremony in the capital Islamabad on Monday where she now sits on the bench alongside 16 male colleagues at Pakistan’s highest court.

“I want to congratulate Justice Ayesha Malik on becoming the first woman judge of the Supreme Court,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said.

The nine-member body that confirmed her appointment had initially turned down her elevation last year, before voting 5-4 to approve her this year.

Lawyer and women’s rights activist Nighat Dad said Malik’s promotion is “a huge step forward”.

“It is history in the making for Pakistan’s judiciary,” she said.

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