The consistent lack of representation of minority communities in the superior judiciary of Pakistan is a serious concern. At present, there is not a single judge from any minority community serving in any of the High Courts or in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This absence is both conspicuous and disheartening, especially considering Pakistan’s constitutional commitment to ensuring equality, non-discrimination, and the protection of minority rights.
In the past, the superior judiciary of Pakistan has been enriched by distinguished judges from minority communities. Eminent judges such as Justice AR Cornelius, Justice Dorab Patel and Justice Rana Bhagwandas come to mind. Their landmark judgments and contribution to the rule of law continue to resonate in our legal and constitutional discourse.
As per 2025 estimates, minorities constitute approximately 3.65% of Pakistan’s population. A number of competent, qualified and well-reputed lawyers and district judiciary judges from these communities are currently serving across Pakistan. Despite fulfilling the requisite criteria of merit, seniority, eligibility and integrity, none have been elevated to the superior judiciary in recent years.
It may be mentioned here that during the most recent elevation of twelve judges to the High Courts by the judicial commission of Pakistan, two highly qualified candidates from the minority community in Sindh, both meeting all legal and constitutional benchmarks, were not approved for elevation without any cogent reason and plausible reasoning. The legal fraternity in Sindh was expecting their elevation on merit but they got disillusioned when they were bypassed.
I therefore respectfully urge the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the members of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan to take serious notice of this persistent underrepresentation and to ensure that appointments to the superior judiciary reflect the rich diversity of Pakistan. Elevating deserving individuals from minority communities on merit in all high courts will send a strong and positive message both domestically and internationally that Pakistan’s judicial institutions uphold the principles of inclusion, fairness, and justice for all.
Tariq Majeed
Hyderabad
