Barack Obama nominates Pakistani-American to serve as federal judge

Washington: United States President Barack Obama has nominated a Muslim to serve as federal judge for the first time in American history, it was reported on Wednesday.

Abid Riaz Qureshi, an American national of Pakistani origin, has been nominated to the US District Court in the District of Columbia, Dawn online reported citing a media report.

"I am pleased to nominate Qureshi to serve on the US District Court bench," Obama said in a statement on Tuesday. "I am confident he will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice."

Qureshi, born in Pakistan, received a Bachelor`s degree from Cornell University in 1977 and a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1997.

President Obama`s nomination has been hailed as a milestone by Muslim advocacy groups.

"I commend President Obama for taking this important step in continuing to pick the best and brightest from every community to serve as part of our nation's judiciary," said Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates, a legal advocacy organisation.

The nomination comes towards the end of Obama`s final term in office and in the midst of a racially-charged election campaign in the country.