Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal
Hon'ble Mr. Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal, is currently serving as a Judge Peshawar High Court. He is a distinguished figure in the field of law and justice with a comprehensive career, spanning over three decades. Born and raised in Pakistan, Dr. Iqbal embarked on his legal journey with a foundational education in law and political science from the University of Peshawar, in the early 90s. He later obtained an LLM degree in International Business Law from the University of Hull, as a British Chevening scholar, for 2001-02, and, then, PhD in International Human Rights Law from the University of Ulster, UK, in 2007, on a Vice-Chancellor Research Studentship program.
Dr. Iqbal's career began in 1992 when he joined the Provincial Judicial Service of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a Civil Judge. His dedication and proficiency led to successive promotions. He became District & Sessions Judge in 2011 and was elevated as Judge of High Court in 2022. Throughout his judicial career, Dr. Iqbal has presided over complex cases, including those involving capital punishment, and has played a pivotal role in the administration and management of judicial processes. His responsibilities as District and Sessions Judge extended beyond adjudication to include recruitment, performance evaluation of court staff, and budget management. In his current position as a judge of constitutional court, he has delivered judgment on diverse issues and of far reaching jurisprudential impact, including notably on women rights. In addition to his judicial duties, Dr. Iqbal has significantly contributed to legal education. Since 2008, he has served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Peshawar and the International Islamic University, Islamabad. His academic influence is evident in his supervision of LLM and PhD students, as well as his development of new courses on human rights and Islamic law. Recognized as an approved PhD supervisor by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Dr. Iqbal continues to shape the next generation of legal professionals.
Dr. Iqbal's expertise is not confined to the courtroom or classroom. He has been instrumental in various capacities within the judicial system, such as Director General of the KP Judicial Academy, where he oversaw the academy's operations, designed training modules, and organized numerous seminars and workshops. Earlier, he served as the founding Dean of Faculty of that Academy. His scholarly contributions include a monograph on the right to development in international law and numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from terrorism and human rights to judicial education and the rule of law in Pakistan.
Dr. Iqbal's contributions to the legal field have also been recognized internationally. He has participated in and presented at various global conferences, including those organized by the UNDP, and has been a consultant for significant legal projects in Pakistan. His work has had a profound impact on the legal framework and human rights conditions in Pakistan, making him a respected authority in both national and international legal communities. With a career marked by dedication to justice, education, and research, Dr. Khurshid Iqbal stands out as a prominent figure in the judiciary of Pakistan, continuing to influence and inspire through his extensive work and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.