First Woman On Pakistan's Shariat Court Sworn In

Pakistan's Daily Times reports that the first female judge to serve on Pakistan's Federal Shariat Court was sworn in yesterday. The new Muslim Judge is 56-year old Ashraf Jehan who was previously serving as an additional judge at the Sindh high court. Under Chapter 3A of Pakistan's Constitution, the Federal Shariat Court has jurisdiction to decide whether any federal or provincial law is inconsistent with Sharia, and thus invalid.  The court may also review criminal court decisions involving Hudood Ordinances. Shariat Court judges are appointed by the President of Pakistan.