Recently,
the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir issued a notification that
would implement the decisions of the courts of Pakistan in the
region. This decision has caused concern among many who fear that it
will lead to the erosion of the separate identity of Azad Jammu and
Kashmir.
Separate Identity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Under Article 1 of the Interim Constitution Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Act 74, the region is recognized as a separate state with its own
Supreme Court, high court, and subordinate courts. It also has its
own president, prime minister, and Legislative Assembly. However, the
government's recent notification has the potential to undermine this
separate identity and render the courts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
ineffective.
The Dangerous Project
Some critics see this move as a dangerous project with the
objective of removing the name and separate identity of Azad Jammu
and Kashmir and integrating the region into Pakistan. They point to
the example of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which was made part
of the Constitution of India, losing its statehood and separate
identity.
Impact on Freedom Fighters
The notification will have the most significant impact on freedom
fighters. It allows for the arrest and trial of any freedom fighter
in the courts of Pakistan, which could lead to arbitrary punishments
and suppression of the voice of freedom. This, in turn, could force
people to migrate from the region.
Call for Resistance
Those who value the separate identity of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are calling for resistance and protest against the government's notification. They argue that failure to resist this move now could lead to the gradual erosion of the region's identity and autonomy. It remains to be seen whether their call for resistance will be heeded.
