Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui has been sworn in as the 27th chief justice of the Sindh High Court. The oath was administered by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori at a ceremony attended by top officials and legal professionals. Justice Siddiqui, who has already been serving as acting chief justice since June, has a 12-year judicial career and is the senior-most judge at SHC after the elevation of former chief justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. After taking oath, Chief Justice Siddiqui visited the Quaid-i-Azam's mausoleum and paid tribute to the father of the nation.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori administered the oath to Justice Shafi Siddiqui as the new Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court. With his appointment approved by President Asif Ali Zardari and recommended by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, Justice Siddiqui fills the vacancy left by the promotion of Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi to the Supreme Court. At just 55 years old, Justice Siddiqui brings a wealth of experience to this prestigious role, having previously served as a judge of the SHC for eight years and as an advocate in both the subordinate judiciary and the high court.
Asaduddin Owaisi, MP and leader of the AIMIM party, caused a stir in political circles when he concluded his oath ceremony for the 18th Lok Sabha with the words, "Jai Palestine". In response to criticism and questions about his political intentions, Owaisi issued a statement defending his choice. He argued that expressing solidarity with Palestine is within his rights and aligns with principles of justice and international solidarity. Controversies like this highlight the complexities of free speech and political expression, especially in the context of global issues that intersect with domestic politics.