Bilawal urges peaceful end toAJK protests
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday appealed 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 statement, 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.
The Bhutto scion 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.
He 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 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.
AJK protests
The recent unrest and deadly clashes occurred in areas, including Rawalakot, where the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital.
According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests on Sunday. JAAC, however, said in a statement on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off.
The clash on Sunday came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27.
AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees - people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) - an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair.
The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest.