History, governance and constitutional development of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir, having an area of 84,471 square miles, lies in the North East of Pakistan and North West of India. Russia, China and Afghanistan also border it towards the North.
Area wise, the State of Jammu and Kashmir was the largest state in the sub-continent among the 562 princely states at the time of its division.
Its area is almost equal to the total area of Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Austria and Albania all put together, although slightly smaller than Great Britain.
The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was established after the liberation movement of 1947.
Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was established in the liberated area.
Approximate liberated area where the AJK Government was established.
Area liberated by Gilgit Scouts, now forming Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Muslims of Kashmir started a liberation war against India in 1947. As a result of this war, the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was established on 24th October, 1947, in the liberated area.
The Government established on 24th October 1947 was working like a war council. Rules of Business were framed to run the administration of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, under which executive and legislative authority vested in the President.
Key constitutional milestones that shaped the present parliamentary system.
The system of administration and legislation was further provided through revised Rules of Business.
Presidential election through votes of basic democrats was introduced along with AJK State Council.
A democratic setup was introduced through the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Act, 1970.
The parliamentary system was introduced under the AJ&K Interim Constitution Act, 1974.
The Prime Minister became the Chief Executive of the State, elected by Legislative Assembly members.
Under the Interim Constitution Act 1974, the President is the constitutional head while the Prime Minister is the Chief Executive of the State.
The Legislative Assembly represents the people and performs law-making functions.
The Prime Minister acts as Chief Executive under the parliamentary system.
Independent courts include Supreme Court, High Court and subordinate courts.
The Council performs specified constitutional functions under the governing arrangement.
The Council has been assigned specified fields of activities, while important functions such as defence, security, foreign affairs, foreign trade, currency and coins are assigned under the constitutional arrangement.