This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-35003273
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Pakistan lawyer files for return of Koh-i-Noor diamond | Pakistan lawyer files for return of Koh-i-Noor diamond |
(35 minutes later) | |
A petition demanding the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the British Royal Family's Crown Jewels, has been filed in a Pakistan court. | A petition demanding the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the British Royal Family's Crown Jewels, has been filed in a Pakistan court. |
The 105-carat diamond fell into British hands in 1849 when the East India Company annexed the region of Punjab. | The 105-carat diamond fell into British hands in 1849 when the East India Company annexed the region of Punjab. |
The lawyer behind the suit argues the gem is part of Punjab's heritage, and belongs to Pakistan. Punjab was split between India and Pakistan in 1947. | The lawyer behind the suit argues the gem is part of Punjab's heritage, and belongs to Pakistan. Punjab was split between India and Pakistan in 1947. |
Analysts say the court is unlikely to hear the case. | Analysts say the court is unlikely to hear the case. |
The petition comes weeks after an Indian pressure group reportedly instructed lawyers to begin legal proceedings in the High Court in London to demand the return of the jewel. | |
Over the years politicians in India have urged the return of the diamond to what they see as its rightful home. | Over the years politicians in India have urged the return of the diamond to what they see as its rightful home. |
In 1947, India was granted independence from the British empire, leading to the formation of two nations - India and Pakistan. | In 1947, India was granted independence from the British empire, leading to the formation of two nations - India and Pakistan. |
Punjab was one of the states partitioned between the two sides. | Punjab was one of the states partitioned between the two sides. |
The Koh-i-Noor diamond was worn by the late Queen Mother and was displayed on top of her crown when her coffin lay in state after her death in 2002. | The Koh-i-Noor diamond was worn by the late Queen Mother and was displayed on top of her crown when her coffin lay in state after her death in 2002. |
Experts say its ownership has changed many times and includes Mughal princes, Persian warriors, Afghan rulers and Punjabi Maharajas. | Experts say its ownership has changed many times and includes Mughal princes, Persian warriors, Afghan rulers and Punjabi Maharajas. |
'Unlikely to succeed' | |
The Pakistani petition, lodged with a court in Lahore by Javed Iqbal Jaffry, names Queen Elizabeth II as a respondent. | |
"Grabbing and snatching it was a private, illegal act which is justified by no law," he told Reuters. | "Grabbing and snatching it was a private, illegal act which is justified by no law," he told Reuters. |
He is quoted as saying that he has written 786 letters to the Queen and Pakistani officials about it. | He is quoted as saying that he has written 786 letters to the Queen and Pakistani officials about it. |
Javed Iqbal Jaffry is known in court circles in Lahore, as he often submits petitions on controversial subjects, the BBC's Shumaila Jaffery reports from Lahore. | |
There has never been a popular debate or campaign to get the Koh-i-Noor diamond returned in Pakistan, our correspondent adds. | |
However, analysts say that even if his petition is heard, it is very unlikely to achieve its objectives. | However, analysts say that even if his petition is heard, it is very unlikely to achieve its objectives. |
In 2010 David Cameron rejected calls for the diamond to be returned to India, saying such a move would set an unworkable precedent. | In 2010 David Cameron rejected calls for the diamond to be returned to India, saying such a move would set an unworkable precedent. |