Justice Shujaat Ali Khan has been sworn in as the acting chief justice of the Lahore High Court in a ceremony held at the Governor House in the Punjab capital.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan administered the oath, with notable attendees including Punjab Maryam Nawaz and various provincial ministers.
The ceremony also saw the participation of Lahore High Court judges, including Justice Ali Baqir Najafi and Justice Alia Neelam, along with all other judges of the court. Judges performing duties on the principal seat also attended the ceremony.
Justice Khan has also refused the official protocol typically afforded to the chief justice. Instead, he has opted for regular security and has also refused to receive the guard of honour. Moreover, the acting CJ will continue to hear cases in his court.
Professional career
Justice Shujaat Ali Khan's distinguished legal career began with his appointment as a high court judge on March 27, 2012. He obtained his LLB from Punjab University in 1995 and served as assistant advocate general from 2006 to 2012. His judicial appointment commenced in January 2012 and continued until March 26, 2012, before his elevation to the high court bench.
Sindh High Court
In other judicial news, Karachi will see a similar ceremony as Justice Shafi Siddiqui takes oath as the acting chief justice of the Sindh High Court today. Justice Siddiqui, a senior judge of the court, will assume his new responsibilities, contributing to the leadership and functioning of the judiciary in Sindh.
