MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called for the formation of a high-powered commission to investigate the recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the inquiry should be conducted in accordance with the state’s laws.
Addressing the PPP’s AJK leadership and party ticket holders in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, Bilawal said the prevailing situation in the region was a matter of concern not only for the people of Kashmir but for all Pakistanis.
His remarks come amid tensions linked to ongoing sit-ins and protests in parts of AJK ahead of the July 27 elections for the region’s 53-member Legislative Assembly.
Call for Independent Investigation
Bilawal said the proposed commission should be given full authority to examine the recent developments, adding that law enforcement agencies must carry out investigations strictly within the framework of the law.
He also urged political leaders, protesters and all stakeholders in both Pakistan and AJK to exercise restraint and act responsibly during the current situation.
According to the PPP chairman, all political parties should work together to promote peace and stability in the region instead of allowing tensions to escalate further.
PPP Terms Armed Forces a “Red Line”
During his address, Bilawal said Pakistan’s armed forces represent a “red line” for the PPP, adding that any rhetoric directed against the military was unacceptable.
He stated that statements made against the Pakistan Army from within AJK could not be tolerated and reaffirmed that his party firmly rejects anti-state narratives.
At the same time, Bilawal said the PPP was equally opposed to offensive remarks targeting the people of Kashmir.
He stressed that the commitments made to the Kashmiri people must be honoured and that disrespectful language against Kashmiris should also be condemned.
Violence and Constitutional Changes Cannot Go Together
The former foreign minister said violent protests should not be permitted under any circumstances.
He maintained that constitutional amendments could not be imposed through sit-ins or by the use of force, warning against allowing what he described as the “politics of terrorism” to take root in Kashmir.
Bilawal said political differences should be resolved through constitutional and democratic means rather than violence or coercion.
Bilawal Says Provinces Will Not Be Asked for More Sacrifices Beyond Defence Contribution
Refugees’ Voting Rights Can Be Protected
Addressing the ongoing debate over seats reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Bilawal said the voting rights of refugees could be safeguarded while addressing other concerns through legal and constitutional mechanisms.
He reiterated that the future of Kashmir should ultimately be decided by the people of Kashmir themselves.
Bilawal also said his party had consistently raised the Kashmir issue at national and international forums and reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people.
Background to the Current Unrest
The latest political tensions follow the AJK government’s decision on June 5 to declare the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
The move came days before the group had planned a protest demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly allocated to refugees from IIOJK who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
The issue has since led to protests and clashes in parts of the region ahead of the upcoming elections.
Comments on Regional Issues
Bilawal also commented on broader regional developments during his address.
Referring to India, he said Pakistan would not compromise on its share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and warned that the nation was prepared to respond if the agreement was undermined.
He further stated that the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in maintaining regional peace and stability was evident.
Appeal for Peace Ahead of Elections
Concluding his address, Bilawal urged all political parties, protesters and state institutions to act with responsibility and help maintain peace in Azad Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the July 27 elections.
He emphasised that dialogue, constitutional processes and the rule of law remain the appropriate means for resolving political disputes, while reiterating the PPP’s opposition to violence and anti-state narratives.
