New Delhi: In a rare and significant development, the Pakistani government has acknowledged in the Islamabad High Court that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) is a foreign territory over which it has no jurisdiction. This admission was made during a hearing related to the kidnapping of Kashmiri poet and journalist Ahmed Farhad Shah, further complicating the geopolitical landscape surrounding the contentious region.
Kidnapping Case:
Ahmed Farhad Shah was reportedly abducted from his home in Rawalpindi on May 15 by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies. Shah’s wife subsequently filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court demanding his production in court.
Court Proceedings:
On Friday, May 31, during the hearing, Pakistan’s Additional Attorney General informed Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani that Farhad Shah was in police custody in POK. He stated that Shah could not be produced before the Islamabad High Court because POK is a foreign territory with its own constitution and judicial system.
Judicial Exchange:
Justice Kayani questioned the logic of this argument, asking how Pakistani military and Rangers could operate in POK if it were indeed a foreign territory. He also criticized the intelligence agencies for their ongoing practice of forced abductions.
Details on Shah’s Detention:
It was disclosed during the hearing that Shah is being held by the Dhirkot police in POK and faces two cases there.
Political Context:
POK has been under Pakistani control since 1947, but India maintains that it is an integral part of its territory. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently reiterated that POK belongs to India and will always be part of the country. This latest admission by Pakistan in its own court further reinforces India’s stance on the issue.
About Ahmed Farhad Shah:
Ahmed Farhad Shah is a well-known poet and journalist who has been active in advocating for the rights of people in POK. He is known for his outspoken criticism of the Pakistani establishment and has led several protests against the government in POK.
Indian Perspective:
From an Indian perspective, this admission by Pakistan holds considerable significance. It supports India’s long-standing claim that POK is illegally occupied by Pakistan and should rightfully be under Indian sovereignty. This acknowledgment could also be leveraged by India in international forums to press its case for the reunification of POK with India.
Conclusion:
The Pakistani government’s admission that POK is a foreign territory is a rare and noteworthy acknowledgment that has implications for the jurisdictional and human rights issues in the region. The case of Ahmed Farhad Shah highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding the status of POK and the treatment of activists within the area. For India, this admission is a potential diplomatic victory, aligning with its consistent position on POK and strengthening its narrative on the international stage.
