10 Most Influential Pakistani Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

12 min readMar 31, 2024

Pakistan’s legal landscape has been shaped by a remarkable array of lawyers who have excelled in their field and played pivotal roles in the nation’s history. These legal luminaries have contributed significantly to the evolution of Pakistani jurisprudence and have left indelible marks on the legal profession and society. Here are the ten most influential Pakistani lawyers throughout history:

Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948)
Aitzaz Ahsan (1945-present)
Asma Jahangir (1952–2018)
Alvin Robert Cornelius (1903–1991)
Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim (1928–2020)
Sharifuddin Pirzada (1923–2017)
Makhdoom Ali Khan (1954-present)
Khalid Anwer (1938-present)
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada (1935–2015)
Rana Bhagwandas (1942–2015)

1. Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876–1948)

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born Mahomedali Jinnahbhai on December 25, 1876, in Karachi, was a barrister and the founding father of Pakistan. His early legal career began in Bombay, where he enrolled at the Bombay High Court after training as a barrister at Lincoln’s Inn in London. His initial foray into politics, alongside his legal practice, was with the Indian National Congress, advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity and shaping significant pacts like the 1916 Lucknow Pact.

Jinnah’s belief in the necessity of a separate state for Muslims to avoid marginalization in an independent Hindu-Muslim state led to his leadership role in the Muslim League. His legal background played a crucial role in formulating the Lahore Resolution in 1940, demanding a separate nation for Indian Muslims. Jinnah’s astute legal and political strategies during the tumultuous period preceding India’s partition were instrumental in the creation of Pakistan.

As Pakistan’s first governor-general, Jinnah’s contributions extended beyond his legal expertise to establishing the nation’s government and policies. His efforts in aiding the Muslim migrants and supervising the establishment of refugee camps were pivotal in the early days of Pakistan. Jinnah’s death on September 11, 1948, marked the end of an era, but his legacy as a skilled lawyer and the architect of a nation endures in Pakistan’s legal and political spheres.

2. Aitzaz Ahsan (1945-present)

Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan, born September 27, 1945, in Murree, Pakistan, is a prominent Pakistani lawyer and politician. He grew up in Lahore in a Punjabi Jat family of the Warraich clan. His early education was at Aitchison College, followed by studies in law at Downing College, Cambridge. Ahsan topped the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination in Pakistan, showcasing his exceptional academic prowess. However, he chose not to join government service, opposing Ayub Khan’s military rule, which reflects his strong principles and dedication to legal and political ethics.

Ahsan’s legal career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to Pakistan’s judicial system. He is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and has served as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Renowned for representing high-profile personalities, including three prime ministers and a Pakistani president, Ahsan has played a vital role in shaping the country's legal landscape. His advocacy for human rights and involvement in the Lawyers’ Movement for the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry underlines his commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Besides his legal career, Aitzaz Ahsan has been a notable figure in Pakistani politics. He served as a Minister of Interior, Law and Justice, and Education and held leadership positions in the Pakistani Senate. His political journey reflects his dedication to public service and governance. Ahsan’s intellectual contributions extend to authorship, with his book “The Indus Saga and the Making of Pakistan” offering a unique perspective on the cultural history of Pakistan. His life and work blend legal acumen, political activism, and intellectual scholarship.

3. Asma Jahangir (1952–2018)

Asma Jahangir, born on January 27, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan, emerged as a formidable human rights lawyer and social activist. She was born into a politically active Kakazai Pashtun family; her father, Malik Ghulam Jilani, was a civil servant turned politician who opposed military dictatorships, and her mother, Begum Sabiha Jilani, was a pioneering businesswoman. Jahangir’s upbringing in this political activism and resistance environment shaped her future path. She received her BA from Kinnaird College and an LLB from Punjab University Law College in 1978, demonstrating her early commitment to education and justice.

Jahangir’s career was marked by relentless advocacy for human rights, particularly for women, religious minorities, and children in Pakistan. In 1980, she co-founded the AGHS Legal Aid Cell and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, becoming its Secretary-General and later Chairperson. She was a vocal critic of Pakistan’s Hudood Ordinance and blasphemy laws, often challenging them in court. Jahangir’s legal expertise was internationally recognized; she served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and later on Human Rights in Iran. Her commitment to human rights earned her numerous awards, including the Right Livelihood Award and the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Jahangir’s activism was not without personal cost. She faced imprisonment and house arrest and received numerous threats, yet she remained undeterred. Her role in the Lawyers’ Movement and as the first woman President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan are testament to her courage and resilience. Jahangir authored influential books, including “The Hudood Ordinance: A Divine Sanction?” and “Children of a Lesser God.” Her demise on February 11, 2018, was a significant loss to the global human rights community, but her legacy continues to inspire activists around the world.

4. Alvin Robert Cornelius (1903–1991)

Alvin Robert Cornelius, born on May 8, 1903, in Agra, British India, was a distinguished Pakistani jurist and legal philosopher. He hailed from a Christian Anglo-Indian Urdu-speaking family, with his parents being notable figures in the Roman Catholic Anglo-Indian community. His father, Professor I.J. Cornelius, was a mathematics professor, and his mother was Tara D’ Rozario. Cornelius’s upbringing in an intellectual and politically aware family significantly shaped his outlook and future career. He completed his early education at St. Peter’s College, Agra, and pursued law studies at the University of Allahabad and Selwyn College, Cambridge. After excelling in his studies, he joined the Indian Civil Service, beginning his illustrious legal career.

Significant contributions to Pakistan's legal framework marked Cornelius’s career trajectory. After joining the Indian Civil Service, he served as an Assistant Commissioner and District and Sessions Judge in Punjab before joining the Law Department of the Government of Punjab as a Legal Remembrancer. In 1946, he was elevated to the Lahore High Court, where he began his judicial career earnestly. Cornelius, a staunch supporter of the Pakistan Movement, collaborated closely with Mohammad Ali Jinnah, aiding in legal matters and drafting the Pakistan Resolution. His commitment to creating Pakistan and his legal expertise were instrumental in setting up the country’s judicial system.

In 1960, Cornelius achieved a historic milestone by becoming Pakistan's first Christian Chief Justice, a position he held with distinction until 1968. His tenure as Chief Justice was marked by landmark judgments, including those defending non-Muslims’ rights, labor laws, and sports law, especially concerning the Pakistan Cricket Board. He was known for his fight against religious extremism and discrimination, upholding justice and equality. Cornelius continued to be an influential post-retirement, advising successive governments on judicial matters. His death on December 21, 1991, marked the end of an era in Pakistan’s legal history, but his legacy as a jurist committed to justice and equality continues to inspire.

5. Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim (1928–2020)

Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim, an eminent legal figure in Pakistan, was born in Ahmedabad on February 12, 1928, when it was part of British India. His early education, culminating in an LLB with distinctions from Gujarat Vidyapith in 1949, was influenced by lectures from Mahatma Gandhi, instilling in him a commitment to non-violence. Moving to Pakistan in 1950, Ebrahim furthered his legal education at Sindh Muslim Law College, earning an LLM and an honorary Juris Doctor. His early life set the stage for a distinguished legal career, marked by a blend of legal acumen and a dedication to peaceful advocacy.

Ebrahim’s legal career is a tapestry of notable achievements, including his tenure as the Attorney General of Pakistan, appointed by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in 1971. His commitment to judicial independence was starkly evident in 1981 when he, as an ad hoc Judge of the Supreme Court, refused to endorse General Zia-ul-Haq’s Provisional Constitutional Order, emphasizing his stance against martial law and judicial compromise. He was also an Associate Judge at the Supreme Court of Pakistan and served as interim Law and Justice Minister. Beyond his legal roles, Ebrahim was a peace activist and served as the Governor of Sindh in 1988, showcasing his versatile contributions to Pakistan’s legal and political landscape.

Ebrahim’s legacy extends beyond the courtroom to significant contributions in various sectors. He founded the Citizen Police Liaison Committee in 1989 to assist Karachi citizens with legal police matters, reflecting his commitment to community service. Originally established in Bombay, his law firm moved to Karachi in 1951, continuing to serve the legal community. Ebrahim also engaged with the Pakistan Cricket Board, leading inquiries and serving on committees, blending his legal expertise with a passion for sports. He passed away on January 7, 2020, in Karachi, leaving a legacy as a staunch advocate for justice and the rule of law.

6. Sharifuddin Pirzada (1923–2017)

Sharifuddin Pirzada, a preeminent figure in Pakistani legal circles, was born on June 12, 1923, in Burhanpur, now in Madhya Pradesh, India. His early life was shaped under the guidance of his father, Mir Niazi Pirzada, a distinguished barrister and member of the Indian Civil Service. This familial legal background undoubtedly influenced Sharifuddin’s legal aspirations and achievements, setting a foundation for his future contributions to the legal profession in Pakistan.

Significant accomplishments and milestones marked Pirzada’s career as a lawyer. He was notably Pakistan's youngest and longest-serving Attorney General, holding office from 1965 to 1966 and 1968 to 1971. His expertise extended beyond domestic legal matters, as he also served as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister from 1966 to 1968. Pirzada’s legal acumen was not confined to Pakistan; he was recognized internationally, reflecting his stature as a seasoned legal professional.

Sharifuddin Pirzada’s legacy extends to his contributions to international law and human rights. He was a member of the United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities from 1972 to 1979, serving as its Chairman from 1977 to 1978. His work in this capacity highlights his commitment to global legal issues, particularly discrimination and minority rights. Pirzada’s distinguished career ended with his passing on June 2, 2017, at a medical center in Karachi, leaving a profound legacy in national and international legal spheres.

7. Makhdoom Ali Khan (1954-present)

Makhdoom Ali Khan, born on January 9, 1954, is a distinguished Senior Advocate Supreme Court in Pakistan. His legal journey, influenced by his father, Fazle Ghani Khan, a retired Justice of the High Court of West Pakistan, began with an impressive educational background. He graduated with distinction in international law from the University of Karachi and an LL.B from S. M. Law College, Karachi. His academic excellence continued at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics, underscoring his commitment to legal scholarship.

Prestigious roles and significant contributions to Pakistani jurisprudence mark Khan’s legal career. He served as the Attorney General for Pakistan, making him the second youngest person to hold this position. His tenure was notable for his involvement in high-profile cases and advocacy for judicial independence. As a member of the Supreme Court’s panel of Senior Advocates, Khan has been a formidable figure in Pakistan’s legal landscape, renowned for his expertise in commercial, taxation, and constitutional law.

Makhdoom Ali Khan continues to make substantial contributions to the legal field. His private practice at Fazle Ghani Advocates focuses on commercial litigation, arbitration, taxation, and constitutional law. Khan’s influence extends beyond the courtroom; he has authored significant legal texts and remains a respected voice in legal discourse. His career, characterized by academic prowess and practical legal expertise, cements his status as a preeminent legal professional in Pakistan.

8. Khalid Anwer (1938-present)

Khalid Anwer, born on November 4, 1938, in Delhi, British India, hails from a notable Arain family with a rich political background. His father, Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, was a freedom fighter and the fourth Prime Minister of Pakistan, known for his pivotal role in drafting Pakistan’s first Constitution in 1956. Growing up in such an influential family undoubtedly impacted Anwer’s career path and profound understanding of law and governance.

Educationally, Anwer’s journey was both extensive and impressive. He completed a B.Sc (Hons.) and LLB degree from the University of the Punjab, followed by a B.A. (Hons.) from Cambridge. Furthering his legal training, he became a barrister-at-law from the Inner Temple, England. His academic achievements laid a solid foundation for his subsequent legal career. In 1997, he was elected as a member of the Pakistani Senate, a testament to his legal acumen and public service commitment.

Anwer’s legal career, spanning over 38 years, is marked by significant contributions to constitutional and commercial law. His advocacy skills were instrumental in major Supreme Court decisions, including restoring a deposed federal government in 1993 and the lawful dismissal of a previous government in 1996. As the federal Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights, Anwer initiated a comprehensive overhaul of Pakistan’s legal system with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank. He leads Khalid Anwer & Co., a law firm based in Karachi, continuing his illustrious legal journey.

9. Abdul Hafeez Pirzada (1935–2015)

Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, born on February 24, 1935, in Sukkur, Sindh, British India, was a prominent Pakistani lawyer and politician. He was the son of Abdul Sattar Pirzada, a former chief minister of Sindh, inheriting a strong political and legal legacy. His upbringing in a politically active family likely influenced his career trajectory, blending legal expertise with a deep understanding of Pakistan’s political landscape.

Pirzada’s educational journey was extensive and impressive. After obtaining his LLB degree from Karachi University, he pursued an LLM from Sindh University, specializing in political science, focusing on the Soviet Union and the rise of communism. He further honed his legal skills at Lincoln’s Inn, London, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. This solid educational foundation equipped him for a distinguished career in law and politics.

Pirzada’s career was marked by significant achievements in both the legal and political arenas. As a co-founder of the Pakistan People’s Party and a close associate of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan's political landscape. His most notable contribution was as the principal draftsman of the Constitution of Pakistan in 1973, earning him the title ‘Father of the Pakistani Constitution’. His expertise and influence extended to various ministerial roles, including Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights. Pirzada passed away on September 1, 2015, leaving a legacy as one of Pakistan’s leading legal minds and a key architect of its constitutional framework.

10. Rana Bhagwandas (1942–2015)

Rana Bhagwandas, born on December 20, 1942, in Naseerabad, Larkana District, Sind Province of British India, was a distinguished Pakistani jurist and the first Hindu Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Born into a Sindhi Hindu Rajput family, he pursued law and Islamic studies, joining the bar in 1965. His early career involved practicing law with Abdul Ghafoor Bhurgri in Larkana before joining the Pakistani judicial system in 1967, a path that led him to become a sessions judge and later a judge of the Sindh High Court.

Bhagwandas’ judicial career is noted for its integrity and resilience. In 1994, he was promoted to the Sindh High Court. Despite facing a constitutional petition challenging his appointment due to his religion in 1999, Bhagwandas’ position was upheld, reflecting the respect he commanded in the legal community. In 2000, he joined the Supreme Court of Pakistan and became known for his firm stance on constitutional sanctity and equality under the law, regardless of religious background. He was a vocal opponent of honor killings and worked tirelessly to uphold the rule of law.

At the height of the 2007 judicial crisis, Bhagwandas became the acting Chief Justice of Pakistan, a position he held with distinction. His role in the controversial Musharraf election bid case, where he was among the dissenting judges, further solidified his reputation as a principled jurist. After refusing to take an oath under the PCO issued by President Musharraf, he was one of the 60 judges sacked in November 2007. Bhagwandas passed away on February 23, 2015, leaving a legacy of judicial integrity and equal justice.