Asia

Breaking Barriers: Pakistan Gets First Female Hindu Judge

Suman Pawan Bodani, who belongs to Shahdadkot in Sindh province, will be serving as judicial magistrate in her home district.
Sputnik

For the first time in the history of Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country, a woman belonging to the minority Hindu community has been appointed as a judge of a civil court.

According to Dr Pawan Kumar Bodan, her father, Suman wants to provide free legal assistance to the poor in Qambar-Shahdadkot.

"Suman has opted for a challenging profession, but I am sure she will go places through hard work and honesty", Dr Bodan was quoted by the newspaper The Dawn.

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Many on social media commented on the development as a positive direction in the empowerment and equal treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti hailed Pakistan's decision, calling it "heartening".

​The Supreme Court upheld Asia Bibi's acquittal.

​Pakistan's first judge from the Hindu community was Justice Rana Bhagwandas, who served as the acting chief justice for brief periods between 2005 and 2007. Hindus make up nearly 2% of Pakistan's total population.

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