Justice Ayesha Malik created history on Monday as she was sworn in as the first female judge of the Supreme Court. Congratulatory messages for the judge have flooded social media.

The oath taking ceremony was held inside the Supreme Court building, and the oath was administered by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed. Justice Umar Ata Bandial, the next top judge of Pakistan, was among other SC judges were also present at the ceremony.

Some Pakistani political leaders called the occasion a “historical moment.”

One user called the appointment of a female SC judge a “welcome change.”

Others said the moment symbolizes “women empowerment” in Pakistan.

Justice Ayesha Malik has served as judge of the Lahore High Court since 2012, before which she worked at a law firm as a partner in charge of the firm’s Lahore’s office. She’s a Harvard Law School graduate and has previously appeared as pro-bono counsel for non-profit organisation working on poverty alleviation.

The Judicial Commission Pakistan faced protest from lawyers during the appointment of Justice Ayesha Malik as SC judge. The lawyers accused the judiciary of favouritism and disregarding the seniority principle in the appointment of judges, as she was the fifth most senior judge of the LHC.

The JCP approved Justice Ayesha Malik for elevation to the apex court by a majority of five to four.