Alumnus Saroop Ijaz Nominated to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan
LUMS is proud to announce that Saroop Ijaz (BA-LL.B Class of 2008), distinguished lawyer and human rights advocate, has been nominated as the youngest-ever member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). Reflecting on this milestone, Saroop shared, “To be nominated as the youngest-ever member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan is both a unique honour and a profound responsibility. Representing civil society and human rights at a constitutional forum of this stature is humbling and daunting in equal measure.”
A member of the first graduating class of the LUMS BA-LL.B programme, Saroop has long credited the University for shaping the foundation of his legal thinking. “My experience at LUMS cultivated a broad, holistic approach to the law,” he reflected. “It laid the foundation for understanding legal frameworks through the lens of social justice, human rights, and equity, perspectives that continue to guide me.”
Saroop serves as the Senior Counsel for Asia at Human Rights Watch (HRW) and is a member of the Governing Council of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). His work spans a wide range of human rights issues, from the protection of religious minorities and police reform to land rights, labour justice, environmental concerns, and the rights of Pakistani prisoners abroad. Internationally, his research and advocacy have extended to regions such as the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.
Saroop’s legal expertise has earned him appointments as amicus curiae in several significant constitutional cases, along with advisory roles for institutions such as the European Union, the World Bank, and the British Council. He serves on the boards of multiple civil society organisations and, in 2022, was honoured with the LUMS Alumni Achievement Award for his contributions to public service and human rights.
As he steps into his role at the JCP, Saroop hopes to bring a distinct and meaningful perspective. “As the youngest and newest member, I hope to bring both a generational lens and a human-rights-based perspective,” he said. “As an independent member nominated by Parliament, I feel a deep responsibility to exercise that independence with honesty and care.”
Looking back on his journey, he acknowledges the mentors who shaped his early path. “My professional journey has been rooted in human rights,” he noted. “Working closely with icons like Asma Jahangir, I.A. Rehman, and Hina Jilani shaped my early thinking. Joining Human Rights Watch as one of its youngest country representatives broadened my understanding of global challenges and the shared values that unite human rights struggles across borders.”
With nearly seventeen years of commentary and opinion writing for publications such as The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, OpenDemocracy, Jurist, and Dawn, Saroop continues to be a leading voice on justice, rights, and accountability.
Offering advice to young lawyers and aspiring changemakers, he said, “The struggle for rights and the rule of law is a marathon, not a sprint. Courage, hard work, intellectual rigour, and humility matter deeply but so do perseverance and consistency. You must keep at it.”
As Saroop steps into this historic role, his journey stands as a testament to the power of principled leadership and the enduring spirit of service that defines the LUMS community.
