MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) High Court on Wednesday fixed May 14 for hearing of a writ petition related to the delay in presidential elections.
The high court has also fixed other petitions, including powers of the acting president and the 13th Constitutional Amendment, for the same day.
According to the sources, the Chief Justice had earlier scheduled the hearing for May 5 and constituted a larger bench in view of the constitutional importance of the cases.
The bench includes Justice Syed Shahid Bahar, Justice Muhammad Ejaz Khan and Justice Chaudhry Khalid Rashid.
The petitions have been filed by several individuals, including Mujahid Naqvi, Raja Zulqarnain Abid, Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, Abdul Hameed Advocate and Fayyaz Khan Advocate against the AJK government.
Sources said the hearing scheduled for May 5 could not take place because two judges of the larger bench were on an official visit to the Rawalakot circuit bench for case hearings.
As a result, the proceedings were postponed, and a fresh date of May 14 was issued.
The petitions reportedly challenge issues including the delay in holding presidential elections, the constitutional authority of the acting president and the legal status of the 13th Constitutional Amendment.
On February 28, a constitutional petition was filed in the AJK High Court, seeking directions for holding the election to the office of president within the timeframe stipulated in the Constitution.
The AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Election Commission, and secretaries of the Law and Services and General Administration departments were arrayed by the petitioners as respondents.
Office of the AJK president
The office of the AJK president fell vacant on January 31, 2026, following the demise of Barrister Sultan Mehmood.
Under Article 9 of the Interim Constitution, the Speaker is required to perform the functions of the president and ensure that an election to the office is held within 30 days of the vacancy.
The petitioners contended that despite the constitutional requirement, no election had been conducted within the stipulated period. Court sources said that the petition is likely to be taken up on Monday (tomorrow).
The upcoming hearing is being closely watched in legal and political circles due to its constitutional significance and possible implications for the political structure of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
