People of Gilgit-Baltistan unaware of their constitutional status: CJP Isa
Pakistan
CJP Isa observed India annexed Kashmir under its occupation by abrogating its constitutional status
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa has said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan do not know what their constitutional status is.
The CJP gave these remarks while hearing a case of appointment of judges in Gilgit-Baltistan High Court at the head of a three-member bench on Wednesday.
The additional attorney general said that the government wanted to give constitutional status to Gilgit-Baltistan but international conventions are an obstacle.
CJP Isa observed that India annexed parts of Kashmir under its occupation by abrogating its constitutional status. Let’s hold referendum in part of Kashmir we have and Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.
The additional attorney general said that the referendum can be held only by the United Nations.
The CJP told him that he did not know the exact situation. He wanted to know that whether it was possible to call the United Nations and hold a referendum.
Chief Justice Isa asked whether the federal government has been formed. Who is the prime minister?
The counsel for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, Saad Hashmi, replied that the government has not yet been formed.
The additional attorney general said that the assembly session would be held on February 29. It would be appropriate to wait for the formation of a new government.
The bench of the Supreme Court issued notices to the Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Council and the Supreme Appellate Bar Association for assistance while referring the matter to the Judges Committee for the formation of a larger bench.
The bench adjourned the hearing sine die, directing the parties to submit written submissions.
