Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir — Justice Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry was sworn in on Monday as a permanent judge of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Supreme Court, a move seen as strengthening the apex court at a crucial time for the region’s judiciary. The appointment, made by the AJK President on the advice of the Chairman of the AJK Council — the Prime Minister of Pakistan, underscores the importance of experienced judicial leadership in ensuring timely and impartial justice.
The oath ceremony was conducted by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram at the Supreme Court building in Muzaffarabad, attended by senior judges, prominent lawyers, and government officials. Legal experts described the event as a landmark moment, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to uphold rule of law and maintain public confidence in the legal system.
Born in Mirpur in June 1969, Justice Khalid Yousaf pursued his legal education at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, graduating in 1995. He furthered his studies with a certificate in Quranic studies from the International Islamic University, Islamabad, in 1996. Over the years, he built a distinguished career as a practicing lawyer and actively contributed to legal bodies, including the AJK Bar Council, before ascending to the bench.
His first elevation to the AJK High Court bench in May 2018 was later declared ultra vires by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2020, but he continued to serve in public roles, notably as Custodian Evacuee Property from March 2022 until his elevation to the Supreme Court. His perseverance and dedication have been widely acknowledged by peers and legal observers.
Experts say Justice Khalid’s appointment comes at a time when the judiciary in Azad Kashmir faces growing expectations to protect constitutional rights and maintain independence amid complex political and legal challenges. With extensive experience and deep roots in the legal profession, he is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing judicial efficiency and reinforcing public trust in the legal system.
The legal community has welcomed his appointment, hoping that his tenure will bring greater transparency, fairness, and timely adjudication of critical cases in the territory, strengthening the rule of law and judicial accountability.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.