ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday appealed directly to protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging them to end their demonstrations peacefully and bring their protest activities to a “peaceful conclusion”.
In a press release, Bilawal said the “imminent signing of the Islamabad accord marks a historic moment, adding that at a time when international spotlight is firmly on Pakistan, the ongoing unrest in AJK is damaging both the Kashmiri cause and Pakistan’s reputation”.
Tensions have been rising in AJK following recent deadly clashes that have led to competing narratives over casualties, governance grievances, and political legitimacy. Official sources have confirmed at least seven deaths.
He warned that the situation is also creating an “unnecessary opportunity” for hostile actors and the “India-Israel nexus” to exploit developments for their own purposes.
The PPP chairman called on those who have taken the law into their own hands to surrender to local authorities and allow due process to take its course.
He stressed that all political grievances and disagreements must be resolved through “democratic, constitutional and peaceful means,” saying Parliament and the political process, not the streets, are the appropriate forums for resolving such issues.
Bilawal noted that the PPP has already called on the Election Commission to withdraw its “premature election schedule,” reiterating the party’s commitment to pursuing a political solution.
He said the party would seek to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address outstanding grievances and move the process towards a “just and lasting conclusion,” adding that the people of Kashmir should not be subjected to repeated cycles of protest and uncertainty.
He added that if all stakeholders, including the federal government, are in agreement, the AJK government could review notifications issued in relation to protesting parties at an appropriate time.
Reiterating a balance between accountability and fairness, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said there can be no compromise on the rule of law or on holding unlawful actors accountable, but stressed that individuals who have done nothing wrong must not suffer the consequences of others’ actions.
Meanwhile, the PPP Azad Kashmir core committee has demanded that the Election Commission withdraw the current election schedule, calling for immediate consultations in light of the prevailing situation.
Addressing a press conference, PPP Azad Kashmir President Chaudhry Yasin said that “saving the state is the top priority” in the current circumstances, stressing that the party’s politics has always revolved around the Kashmir issue.
He recalled that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto highlighted the Kashmir cause at the global level, while adding that over the past seven months, efforts were made to resolve public issues and restore democratic processes.
Chaudhry Yasin said that while security personnel were martyred, civilians were also affected by the evolving situation. He criticised the hurried announcement of the schedule for migrant seats, saying it was issued only days before the protest call, which was not appropriate.
He noted that during negotiations, most demands of the Public Action Committee had been accepted, claiming that “37 out of 38 demands” were already implemented, while only the constitutional matter of migrant seats remained under discussion.
He said alternative constitutional and legal options exist regarding migrant representation, and added that a one-week extension was sought from the committee but was not accepted. In the current situation, he said, holding elections on migrant seats appears difficult.
Chaudhry Yasin urged the Election Commission to withdraw the schedule and continue the consultation process, saying PPP is not in favour of confrontation or conflict. He warned that hostile forces, including India, could take advantage of the situation.
He stressed that “12 migrant seats are not more valuable than human lives,” adding that solutions must be found through dialogue, political consensus and democratic process. He also pointed to emerging shortages of essential goods in Azad Kashmir, saying the region is facing serious uncertainty.
Other senior leaders present included former Prime Minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Information Secretary Javed Ayub, Senior Minister Mian Wahid, Javed Budhanvi, Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed and Yasir Sultan.
