Human rights activist Amjad Ayub Mirza has raised alarm over reports concerning Pakistan's proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment, warning that it could pave the way for the formal incorporation of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) into Pakistan's constitutional structure.
Background of the Proposed Amendment
Speaking from London, Mirza noted that while the government has not officially disclosed the contents of the amendment, recent political and constitutional developments have sparked fears that Islamabad may be preparing to alter the status of these two territories. Pakistan has long maintained a constitutional distinction regarding PoJK and PoGB, administering both regions while continuing to present them internationally as disputed territories pending a final resolution in line with United Nations resolutions.
Current Constitutional Status
According to Mirza, neither territory currently enjoys full provincial status under Pakistan's Constitution. He warned that any attempt to formally integrate them could carry significant political, legal, and diplomatic implications. Constitutional incorporation would strengthen Islamabad's legal control over governance, security, and major infrastructure projects, particularly in PoGB, a region linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Mirza further suggested that domestic political considerations, including the expansion of parliamentary representation and greater centralized control amid growing demands for civil and political rights in the regions, could also be influencing the proposed move.
Call for International Attention
Mirza called on the international community, policymakers, and Kashmiri representatives to closely watch developments related to the proposed amendment and evaluate its potential impact on regional stability and the future status of PoJK and PoGB.
Pakistan's proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment has sparked debate over possible changes to the country's federal structure. Discussions suggest it may revise powers granted to provinces under the 18th Amendment, alter resource-sharing mechanisms, and strengthen federal authority in certain sectors.
