Following the Supreme Appellate Court Gilgit-Baltistan’s directive, authorities will transfer custody of two residents from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), who mistakenly entered Astore, to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government.
Sources revealed that Noor Muhammad Wani and Feroz Ahmed, hailing from District Bandipura Tehsil Gurez of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, currently held in Central Jail Minawar District Gilgit, will be sent to AJK on Tuesday.
Gilgit-Baltistan Home Minister Shams Lone confirmed the development, stating, “They will be relocated to Mahajir Camp in AJK within two or three days.”
Last month, the Supreme Appellate Court ordered IG Prisons G-B to hand over the respondents to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council Secretariat for further proceedings, in line with the policy.
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Wani and Feroz contested a Chief Court verdict that directed their deportation from Azad Jammu and Kashmir to their native region of Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, rather than from Wagah Border Lahore.
According to the court’s detailed judgment, the duo unintentionally crossed the Line of Control (LOC) and entered Pakistan’s territory, leading to their arrest in Gilgit. They were convicted under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and sentenced accordingly.
Subsequently, they sought asylum through private international law, which was partially accepted by the Chief Court. However, their appeal was dismissed, prompting them to approach the Supreme Appellate Court.
The judgment highlighted a policy initiated by Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council Secretariat in consultation with the Ministry of Interior, regarding such cases. Accordingly, custody will be transferred to the AJK Council Secretariat for further action.
The court ordered compliance within 15 days, directing IG Prisons G-B to submit a report. As per sources, Wani and Feroz will be moved early Tuesday to adhere to the court’s directive.
