MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Kashmir High Court has started hearing writ petitions challenging the 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan in the Legislative Assembly and the quota system in government jobs.
Justice Sardar Ijaz Khan heard the writ petitions filed by the High Court Bar Association and others. Lawyers Sardar Karam Dad Khan and Amjad Ali Khan Advocate presented arguments.
The petitions argue that the quota system has no scope in the constitution and laws, and its implementation through mere notifications has expired.
Petitioners demand the abolition of the quota system and the implementation of open merit.
The Advocate General confirmed that the notifications regarding the quota system have lost their importance.
The Advocate General confirmed that the notifications regarding the quota system have lost their importance. This confirmation supports the petitioners’ argument that the quota system is no longer valid.
The lawyer argued that there is no justification for the existence of 12 seats in the name of refugees. He claimed that this system is being misused and is not benefiting the refugees or the Kashmir Movement.
He emphasized that these seats should be abolished to respect the mandate of the people of Azad Kashmir.
The court has ordered the consolidation of all writ petitions to ensure that the right is not robbed. Further action will be taken at the next hearing, the court said.
