AJK Supreme Court upholds govt's stance on refugee seats in presidential reference
Key takeaways
- In its opinion, the apex court held that the 12 refugee seats derive constitutional protection under Article 22 and are rooted in historical legal arrangements dating back to the laws of 1960, 1964 and 1970.
- Interpreting Articles 22(3) and 22(4), the court clarified the powers and tenure of the Legislative Assembly and emphasised that elections must be conducted within the constitutional timeframe.
- In its observation, the AJK SC said that the decisive force in Azad Kashmir is not street agitation but the supremacy of the Constitution.
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Home latest pakistan world sports showbiz entertainment Royal business health Sci-Tech Food Fact Check big picture Videos shows Watch LIVE TV X Home Latest Pakistan World Sports Showbiz Fact Check big picture Videos Shows LIVE TV Pakistan AJK Supreme Court upholds govt's stance on refugee seats in presidential reference Court says constitutional amendment essential for any change to reserved seats By Web Desk | Published June 07, 2026
MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Supreme Court on Sunday endorsed the government’s position on the issue of refugee seats, ruling that the 12 reserved refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly enjoy constitutional protection and cannot be altered through an administrative decision.
The presidential reference had been filed by the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir under Article 46-A of the Interim Constitution, 1974, on the advice of the government, seeking the court’s opinion on constitutional questions relating to refugee seats and other connected matters.