The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Act 1975 was repealed by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Management) Ordinance 2010 (No XIV) on June 14, 2000.

Under article 41(2)(a) of the AJK Interim Constitution Act 1974 (No VIII), an Ordinance promulgated shall have the same force and effect as an Act of the Legislative Assembly and shall be subject to like restrictions as the power of the Assembly to make law, but every such Ordinance shall be laid before the Assembly and shall stand repealed at the expiration of four months from its promulgation.

This was not done with the 2010 Ordinance and it has thus lapsed; and the 1975 Act remains in force.

The 2010 Ordinance however remains on the AJK Government’s website creating confusion and giving an impression as if it remains in force.

Recently, the AJK Cabinet approved another Wildlife Bill, patterned on the 2010 Ordinance, for presentation in the Legislative Assembly.