Bilawal calls for talks to resolve AJK unrest

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged both the federal government and protest leaders to resolve the ongoing crisis in

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged both the federal government and protest leaders to resolve the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through dialogue, saying the people of the region have suffered the most during weeks of unrest.

Addressing a public rally in Dadyal, Mirpur district, Bilawal said the situation in AJK has become increasingly difficult over the past month. He said political disagreements should not come at the expense of ordinary citizens, who are facing disruptions in their daily lives.

Bilawal said every citizen has the constitutional right to hold peaceful protests. However, he stressed that demonstrations should not block the supply of essential goods, including food, fuel and medicines. According to him, such disruptions do not place pressure on governments but instead create hardship for the people living in the region.

He said the ongoing protests have caused serious difficulties for families across AJK, adding that the public should not be forced to pay the price for political disputes or policy disagreements.

The PPP chairman also criticised the government’s handling of the situation. He said actions taken in response to the protests have affected the entire population of Azad Jammu and Kashmir rather than only those directly involved in the demonstrations.

Bilawal argued that innocent citizens should not be subjected to restrictions or hardships because of the actions of a limited number of protesters. He said any response should remain within the law and avoid creating additional suffering for the public.

Referring to the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bilawal said the polls would be among the most significant in the region’s history because they are taking place during a period of political tension. He said the elections would test the democratic process, political leadership and state institutions.

He emphasised that political parties have a responsibility to represent the concerns of the Kashmiri people and ensure their voices are heard at regional, national and international levels.

To help resolve the crisis, Bilawal proposed the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He said an independent commission could investigate the events surrounding the unrest, examine the actions of all parties and determine responsibility through a transparent process.

He suggested that protesters temporarily suspend their demonstrations if such a commission is established. He also urged the federal government to pause enforcement measures during the inquiry so that the commission could conduct its work fairly and independently.

Bilawal said the proposed body should determine who acted within the law, who violated it and whether any crimes were committed. He expressed the view that an impartial investigation would help restore public confidence and reduce tensions.