Justice Hilali Defends Judicial Record at PHCBA Event
Former SC Judge Musarrat Hilali Reaffirms Merit-Based Decisions Amid Online Backlash
HILALI DEFENDS JUDICIAL RECORD
Illustration concept: A formal reception hall in Peshawar with a female retired Pakistani Supreme Court judge being honored at a podium by lawyers in traditional black court attire.
AI summary
Retired Supreme Court Justice Musarrat Hilali addressed a Peshawar High Court Bar Association ceremony honoring her and veteran legal practitioners. Speaking at the event, she defended her career record, emphasizing that her judicial decisions were consistently guided by merit rather than individual personalities.
Why this matters
Justice Hilali's comments highlight the increasing public scrutiny and digital campaigns directed at top judicial figures in Pakistan following high-profile rulings. Her public response underscores the relationship between the bench, the bar, and public perception in maintaining judicial independence.
Key takeaways
- Retired Supreme Court Justice Musarrat Hilali defended her rulings as strictly merit-based during a PHCBA event.
- She dismissed recent social media criticism directed at her following her August 7 retirement.
- The Peshawar High Court Bar Association presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Hilali and lawyers marking 50 years of practice.
- Senior legal leaders, including PHCBA President Aminur Rehman Yousafzai, were in attendance.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Musarrat Hilali reaffirmed her commitment to legal principles during a felicitation ceremony in Peshawar, stating that her rulings throughout her judicial tenure were strictly determined by merit.
Speaking as the guest of honor at an event organized by the Peshawar High Court Bar Association (PHCBA), the retired jurist addressed online criticism following her departure from the apex court on August 7. She noted that social media campaigns launched against her had no bearing on her mindset, emphasizing that she maintained total pride in the decisions rendered during her career.
The gathering was convened to confer Lifetime Achievement Awards upon Justice Hilali—who previously served as Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court—and to honor legal veterans completing half a century of practice before the high court. Key organizational figures, including PHCBA President Aminur Rehman Yousafzai and General Secretary Ashfaq Daudzai, attended alongside cabinet members and senior advocates.
Expressing appreciation to the legal fraternity, Justice Hilali acknowledged the bar as a constant source of strength during her career. She called on lawyers to remain steadfast in supporting principled colleagues and upholding constitutional integrity across the justice system.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Justice Musarrat Hilali retire from the Supreme Court?
- Justice Musarrat Hilali retired from the Supreme Court of Pakistan on August 7.
- What was the purpose of the PHCBA ceremony?
- The event was organized by the Peshawar High Court Bar Association to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to retired Justice Hilali and honor lawyers who have completed 50 years of practice.
- How did Justice Hilali address social media criticism?
- Justice Hilali stated that she was indifferent to the online campaign launched after her retirement and expressed full confidence in the merit of her judicial record.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Dawn Pakistan
- Original publication:
- Aug 13, 2026, 4:17 AM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 13, 2026, 4:17 AM
- Updated:
- Aug 13, 2026, 4:31 AM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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