Pakistan-administered Kashmir court upholds refugee seats, clears election path
10 reported1 conflicting
The Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir ruled Sunday that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The ruling removes legal uncertainty over the election process for the 45-member Legislative Assembly, which is scheduled for next month. Hours after the decision, police reported that a violent mob attacked a hospital in Rawalakot, killing four officers and wounding 20 others. The court also stated that public order cannot be disrupted in the name of protest and that assembly elections must be held within the constitutionally prescribed period. The opinion came in response to a presidential reference seeking guidance on constitutional questions surrounding the refugee seats and the upcoming vote. The ruling bolsters the regional government’s position in a dispute that has fueled weeks of protests.
What’s reported
The top court in Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment.
The ruling came in response to a presidential reference seeking guidance on constitutional questions surrounding the refugee seats and the upcoming vote for the 45-member Legislative Assembly.
Hours after the ruling, police said a violent mob attacked a hospital in Rawalakot, killing four officers and wounding 20 others.
The court stated that assembly elections must be held within the constitutionally prescribed period and that political disputes, protests or constitutional disagreements cannot be used to delay the vote.
The court also endorsed the government view that unresolved constitutional questions should be addressed by the Legislative Assembly.
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad warned its citizens in Pakistan-administered Kashmir to exercise caution ahead of planned protests scheduled for June 9.
Local authorities issued a travel advisory discouraging tourism in the region from June 5 to June 20.
The regional government recently banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), accusing it of posing a threat to public order.
Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said the government accepted 36 of the group’s 38 demands last year, with the two remaining demands involving constitutional provisions that can only be changed by the Legislative Assembly.
The group alleged Saturday that one of its members was killed when police opened fire; Kashmir police denied the claim, saying armed men had fired overnight on officers after being signaled to stop their vehicle.
Conflicting accounts
The article reports that the group JAAC alleged one of its members was killed when police opened fire, while Kashmir police denied the claim, stating that armed men had fired overnight on officers after being signaled to stop their vehicle.
Key figures
Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore (regional government)
Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) (protest group)
Sources: abcnews.com
