Pakistan’s 2 Options To PoK Protesters: Give In Or Face Stringent Article 56 | Exclusive
Pakistan’s 2 Options To PoK Protesters: Give In Or Face Stringent Article 56 | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: June 12, 2026, 13:33 IST The
Pakistan’s 2 Options To PoK Protesters: Give In Or Face Stringent Article 56 | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: June 12, 2026, 13:33 IST The move is being seen by many as Pakistan’s version of India’s Article 370 playbook, with Islamabad issuing a blunt ultimatum to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoK Rapid Read The Pakistan government is working on multiple proposals to crush the Awami Action Committee’s ongoing movement in PoK. (AFP File) In a high-stakes escalation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Islamabad is weighing sweeping constitutional moves in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the possible full enforcement of Article 56 of the Constitution, a top government source has told CNN News18. The move is being seen by many as Pakistan’s version of India’s Article 370 playbook, with Islamabad issuing a blunt ultimatum to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoK — accept the government’s terms or face the imposition of Article 56, which would effectively allow Pakistan to dismiss the elected government and dissolve the legislative assembly. Ultimatum To JAAC: Reconciliation Or Article 56 According to exclusive inputs, the Pakistan government is working on multiple proposals to crush the Awami Action Committee’s ongoing movement in PoK. The choice before the people and the JAAC is being framed as a stark one — reconciliation on Islamabad’s terms or the enforcement of Article 56.
Under the plan currently under consideration, Pakistan is exploring major constitutional changes in the clauses governing Azad Jammu & Kashmir, including a significant restructuring of representation in the AJK Legislative Assembly. Key Proposals On The Table Proposal 1: A high-powered, all-parties delegation from Pakistan will be sent to Muzaffarabad for talks with all stakeholders in a bid to defuse the crisis. Discussions will be held with non-proscribed members of the JAAC and local Kashmiri politicians. Proposal 2: General elections in PoK will be allowed to go ahead on July 27. After the polls, the new Legislative Assembly will undertake major electoral reforms. As part of these reforms, the contentious 12 refugee seats are proposed to be halved to 06, with the matter to be settled through the AJK Assembly. Proposal 3: If JAAC or any other political force in PoK refuses to accept Islamabad’s conditions, the federal government will invoke Article 56 of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Interim Constitution 1974. This would allow Pakistan to effectively run the AJK Legislative Assembly from Islamabad. Pakistan is also actively considering a broader constitutional sweep in PoK, including the proposed halving of refugee seats in the assembly following the July elections, sources said. What Is Article 56 Of AJK’s Interim Constitution? Article 56 of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act, 1974, grants the federal government in Islamabad sweeping powers over elected institutions.
Under this provision, Pakistan can Dismiss the elected PoK government Dissolve the PoK Legislative Assembly Crucially, this can be done irrespective of the majority support an administration may enjoy in Muzaffarabad. The article places the executive authority of the government under the effective oversight of the Azad Kashmir Council, based in Islamabad, and the Federal Government of Pakistan. What Pakistan’s Constitution Says On PoK The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan does not recognise PoK as a formal province or territory of Pakistan. Instead, it is governed as a self-governing, autonomous state under its own Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act of 1974. Key constitutional provisions include Article 1 (Territories of Pakistan): Clause (2)(d) broadly covers territories that may be included in Pakistan “whether by accession or otherwise". However, given that the region’s final status is tied to United Nations resolutions and the right to self-determination, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has clarified that PoK is not constitutionally an integral or annexed part of Pakistan proper. Article 257 (Future Relationship): This clause states that when the people of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan and the State shall be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people of that State. Despite this framework of nominal autonomy, Pakistan retains ultimate administrative and financial control over PoK’s macro-affairs.
Under the Interim Constitution, the federal government in Islamabad holds exclusive authority over 1. Defence and security of Azad Jammu & Kashmir 2. Foreign affairs 3. Foreign trade 4. Currency 5. Implementation of UNCIP (United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan) resolutions As Islamabad weighs its next strategic move, PoK stands on the brink of a decisive shift — either through negotiated reconciliation or through the hard enforcement of Article 56, which could fundamentally alter the political landscape in PoK. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: June 12, 2026, 13:31 IST News world Pakistan’s 2 Options To PoK Protesters: Give In Or Face Stringent Article 56 | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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