Justice Afridi was born on January 23, 1965, in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. He belongs to the Adam Khel clan of the Afridi tribe and grew up in Kohat’s Babari Banda village. Coming from a family with a tradition of public service, Justice Afridi was encouraged to pursue education and contribute to his community.
He began his academic journey at Aitchison College, one of Pakistan’s premier institutions, before attending Government College in Lahore. He later completed his undergraduate degree and obtained an MA in Economics from Punjab University. His academic achievements earned him a Commonwealth Scholarship to further his education in the United Kingdom. At Jesus College, University of Cambridge, he pursued an LLM, specializing in law. His scholarly performance led to another opportunity in London, where he joined a scholarship program for Young Commonwealth Lawyers at the Institute of Legal Studies.
Legal Training and Early Career
While in London, Justice Afridi gained practical experience through an internship with Fox & Gibbons, Solicitors. This role provided him valuable insights into international legal practices. After returning to Pakistan, he joined Orr, Dignam & Co., a well-regarded law firm in Karachi, where he worked as an associate.
His desire to serve his home region led him to establish a private practice in Peshawar, where he began building a reputation for his dedication and expertise. He also accepted a position at Khyber Law College as a lecturer. There, he taught international law, labor law, and administrative law, contributing to the legal education of aspiring lawyers.
Rising Through Pakistan’s Legal Ranks
Justice Afridi’s journey in Pakistan’s legal system was marked by notable milestones. In 1990, he was enrolled as an advocate in the High Court, establishing his footing in the judicial circuit. His reputation continued to grow, and in 2004, he earned the right to practice in the Supreme Court. His role as Assistant Advocate General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa further showcased his legal acumen. As federal counsel for the government, he represented and advised on complex legal matters, strengthening his expertise.
Appointments and Judicial Service
In 2010, Justice Afridi was elevated to the Peshawar High Court (PHC) as an additional judge, marking a significant progression in his career. His dedication and service led to his confirmation as a PHC judge on March 15, 2012. Justice Afridi’s exceptional skills and deep commitment to justice were recognized in 2016 when he became the first judge from the formerly Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to assume the office of the Chief Justice of PHC. He took this oath on December 30, 2016, a landmark moment for both him and the region he represented.
Justice Afridi served as Chief Justice of PHC until his elevation to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on June 28, 2018. His ascension to the highest court in the country underscored his contributions and the respect he had earned within Pakistan’s judiciary. Justice Afridi’s career reflects not only his legal expertise but also his dedication to serving his community and country through justice. His journey stands as an inspiration to future generations of lawyers and public servants.
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