Justice Syed Shahid Bahar took oath today as the Acting Chief Justice of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir High Court, marking a significant appointment that highlights his extensive experience and esteemed position in the judiciary.
The ceremony was held at the presidential headquarters in Muzaffarabad, presided over by the Acting President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who administered the oath to Justice Bahar. The event was a significant occasion for the region’s judicial system, attended by prominent figures from various legal and governmental sectors.
Among the distinguished participants were the most senior minister and the Minister of Law and Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights, Mian Abdul Waheed, and High Court Judge Justice Sardar Muhammad Ijaz Khan. The presence of former Chief Justices Syed Manzoor-ul-Hasan Gilani, Chaudhry Muhammad Ibrahim Zia, and Sadaqat Hussain Raja added to the ceremony’s importance.
Renowned legal personalities, including former Vice Chairman of Islamabad Bar Council Syed Qamar Sabzwari and President of Islamabad High Court Bar Association Wajid Gilani, also attended, along with members of various bar councils and a large number of lawyers from across Azad Kashmir.
Raja Zahid Mahmood, draftsman of the Law Department, formally announced the notification of Justice Bahar’s appointment during the ceremony, which was arranged by the Secretary of Presidential Affairs, Muhammad Shahid Ayub.
Justice Bahar’s appointment as Acting Chief Justice is a significant moment for the judiciary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, promising to uphold the rule of law and strengthen judicial integrity in the region.