Hindus, Sikhs to represent in Afghan Lower House of Parliament

Kabul, Sept 5: Afghanistan Lower House of Parliament will now have special seat for Sikh and Hindu Afghan nationals.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai issued a historic legislative decree reserving a special seat for them in the House of the Parliament.

A seat in the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) has been designated for them, according to a statement from the office of the President.

The Afghan Nartional Assembly is a bicameral body, comprising two chambers, Wolesi Jirga (Lower House) with 249 seats and Meshrano Jirga (Upper House) with 102 seats.

With this decision, the Lower House will now have 250 members.

With this decision, the Lower House will now have 250 members.

Karzai's decision has come after lawmakers declined to reserve a special seat for Hindus and Sikhs through law.

The Afghan President has the power to issue legislative decrees when the Parliament is on vacation.

OneIndia News

(with PTI inputs)