Supreme Court clarifies constitutional limits on migrant seats and rejects any alteration through pressure politics, reinforcing parliamentary authority.
The Supreme Court of Azad Kashmir has delivered a significant constitutional opinion on the long-debated migrant seats issue, firmly endorsing the government’s legal position and rejecting attempts to alter the system through street pressure or political confrontation.
In its detailed ruling, the court stated that the 12 migrant seats are fully protected under Article 22 of the Constitution and cannot be changed through administrative orders or informal pressure. Any modification in their structure or number, the court noted, can only be carried out through a formal constitutional amendment under Article 33 by the elected parliament.
The court further clarified that while peaceful protest remains a constitutional right, tactics such as road blockades, forced strikes, and coercive demonstrations fall outside legal protection. It emphasized that constitutional disputes must be resolved through parliamentary debate, not public pressure campaigns.
The opinion is expected to strengthen institutional authority and reinforce the role of elected representatives in resolving sensitive constitutional matters. It also signals that upcoming electoral processes cannot be delayed due to political unrest, ensuring continuity and stability in governance.
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