Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir – In a significant political development, an All Parties Conference (APC) convened in the capital has unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir, while mandating that general elections be held on time and leaving the complex issue of constitutional amendments regarding refugee seats to the legislative assembly.
Chaired by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore at the Prime Minister’s House, the conference saw the attendance of top political and religious leadership, including four former prime ministers and the Leader of the Opposition. A joint declaration issued after the meeting outlined a broad consensus on domestic political stability and the Kashmir dispute.
According to the official communiqué, participants reiterated their full support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. The leaders described the ongoing democratic and constitutional process in Pakistan-administered Kashmir as the foundation of the region’s stability, pledging to further strengthen democratic institutions.
Key Resolutions: Elections and Institutional Supremacy
The resolution enshrined a firm commitment to holding the next general elections for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly strictly within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. The leadership vowed to take all necessary measures to ensure that the polls are conducted in a “free, fair, transparent, and peaceful” manner. The declaration further stated that any attempt to interfere in the electoral process would be legally countered.
The 12 Refugee Seats: Assembly to Decide
Addressing the historically contentious issue of the 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan, the conference acknowledged this representation as both a “historic and constitutional reality.” However, recognizing the legal complexities surrounding the current electoral system for these seats, the APC refrained from making an executive decision.
The declaration firmly stated that the power to enact constitutional amendments lies exclusively with the elected representatives in the Legislative Assembly. The gathering recommended that before any potential constitutional changes are initiated, a broad-based consultative process be launched, involving political parties, bar associations, civil society, and constitutional experts.
The communiqué also emphasized that promoting tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful political struggle is essential for sustainable peace in the region.
It is pertinent to note that while major stakeholders participated, the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) declined to attend the All Parties Conference.