Kashmiri refugees

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) demands abolishing 12 reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)'s legislative assembly, but the AJK Supreme Court ruled these seats, protected under Article 22 of the AJK Interim Constitution 1974, cannot be removed without a constitutional amendment under Article 33. The article argues abolishing the seats would violate constitutional rights and the principle of equality for Kashmiri refugees, who are recognized as 'state subjects' under the constitution.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to allow Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) voters to decide the fate of 12 refugee seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly. The JAAC demands abolishing the seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, but Asif argued that refugees’ voting rights should not be removed, emphasizing their historical sacrifices and Pakistan’s collective stake in AJK.

Pakistan's Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees are constitutionally protected, clearing legal hurdles for upcoming elections. The decision supports the regional government's stance against demands to abolish the seats and addresses protests by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir's top court ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The decision clears the way for upcoming elections.

Police in Pakistan-administered Kashmir arrested dozens of supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) ahead of a planned protest. The group, which has unresolved demands including 12 legislative assembly seats for Kashmiri refugees, refused to cancel its rally despite the ban. Authorities increased security following tensions that led to clashes and deaths last year.