Federal Constitutional Court Questions Government Over Gilgit-Baltistan Legislation Proposal

Islamabad: The Federal Constitutional Court has directed the government to submit records of the proposed legislation concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and adjourned the hearing.

Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi remarked that the government should not seek the court’s permission for lawmaking and should consult senior politicians regarding legislation related to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman argued that the government is authorized to legislate but requires approval in light of a Supreme Court ruling.

Justice Rozi Khan noted that the matter is political and should be resolved by the government itself.

Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi further cautioned that if parliamentary debates are brought before the court, it could open a “new Pandora’s box,” requiring notices to all parties involved. He also observed that while the government previously claimed courts interfere in governance, it is now bringing such cases itself and questioned the proposed legislation.

The Additional Attorney General stated that the pensions of the Chief Judge and other judges of Gilgit-Baltistan are not currently covered by law and proposed their inclusion. He also mentioned a proposal to define a five-year term for members of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly.

Justice K.K. Agha remarked that the government appears to be in a hurry, which is unusual, and the three-member bench led by Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi adjourned the hearing.