Bilawal calls for truth commission to end AJK unrest

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the government and protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to agree on the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the violence and political tensions that have gripped the region.

Speaking to party workers in Muzaffarabad on Tuesday, Bilawal said the commission could provide a peaceful mechanism to determine the facts behind the unrest and help prevent further loss of life.

He said maintaining peace, fairness and transparency was particularly important during the ongoing AJK elections, arguing that the issue should not be treated as a contest between winners and losers.

According to Bilawal, the PPP had been advocating a truth and reconciliation commission for about a month. He proposed that protesters suspend their demonstrations while the commission investigates the incidents and presents its findings.

He criticised both the authorities and protesters for failing to compromise, warning that ordinary Kashmiris were suffering despite having no connection with either side.

Bilawal said those responsible for violence should be identified through an investigation rather than being punished on the streets. He also accused the state of giving greater importance to the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) than to the interests of Kashmir.

Bilawal questions AJK election process

Bilawal also criticised the conduct of the AJK elections, particularly the violence and allegations of irregularities reported during polling in parts of the region.

He claimed that the PPP had a strong mandate in Mirpur and alleged that polling stations were forcibly occupied and party polling agents removed. He also accused rival political workers of using violence to influence the electoral process.

According to preliminary election results, the PML-N won nine of the 13 constituencies in the first phase, while the PPP secured four seats.

Bilawal rejected the results in several constituencies and alleged that the PPP’s mandate had been compromised. He questioned how PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasin could lose his home constituency and described the result as unacceptable.

He also criticised the decision to conduct the AJK elections in three phases, alleging that the arrangement had failed to prevent electoral malpractice.

The PPP chairman referred to reports of violence, firing and the death of a political worker, while also raising concerns over internet disruptions in parts of the region.

He called on the authorities to decide whether national interests or political considerations would guide their actions in AJK.

Bilawal warned that continued violence and political instability could damage the future of the region. He urged PPP workers to remain peaceful but said the party would not accept attacks on its supporters or the alleged seizure of polling stations.

He also appealed for political restraint, saying that the PPP wanted to pursue peaceful politics but would continue to defend what it considers its electoral mandate.