ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is harming both the Kashmiri cause and Pakistan’s international reputation, creating unnecessary opportunities for hostile elements, ARY News reported.
Speaking to the media, Bhutto said the instability comes at a critical time when global attention is focused on Pakistan. “This unrest is deeply concerning and counterproductive,” he stated, urging protesters in AJK to end their demonstrations peacefully. He called on those who have taken the law into their own hands to surrender to local authorities, stressing that legal and constitutional processes must be allowed to proceed without disruption.
Bhutto reiterated his stance that grievances should be resolved through democratic, constitutional, and peaceful means rather than street agitation. “Parliament and the political system, not the streets, are the appropriate forums for resolving such matters,” he said. He noted that the PPP has already demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan withdraw the prematurely issued election schedule in AJK and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to achieving a political resolution.
Bhutto announced efforts to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to ensure fair and transparent dispute resolution. He emphasized that the people of Kashmir should not repeatedly face cycles of protest and uncertainty. If all stakeholders agree, he added, the AJK government could review previously issued notifications to help reduce tensions. However, he underlined that there would be no compromise on the rule of law and accountability for those involved in wrongdoing.
The PPP chairman concluded by saying that the government and political leadership are committed to ensuring innocent individuals do not suffer consequences of others’ actions, and that all issues must be resolved through lawful and fair processes. The unrest in AJK has drawn international concern, with analysts warning that it could undermine Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir at a time when the region is already under scrutiny. For more on the Kashmir dispute, see Wikipedia’s article on the Kashmir conflict and BBC’s overview of the Kashmir issue.
Source: ARY News