Bilawal warns AJK unrest harming Pakistan’s global image, Kashmir stance

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned on Sunday that ongoing civil unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is damaging Pakistan’s international reputation and undermining its longstanding diplomatic stance on the Kashmir dispute.

His remarks came as violence flared in the region, with sources saying security forces and individuals linked to the recently banned Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) exchanged fire in Rawalakot.

According to officials, more than 30 bullets struck the security vehicles near the city’s Eidgah area.

In a strongly worded statement, Bilawal said that the instability in AJK provides an opening for hostile intelligence agencies and foreign rivals to exploit internal divisions.

“The current unrest in AJK is harming the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s global standing. This situation provides an unnecessary opportunity for enemy elements, including the Indo-Israeli nexus, to advance their own agendas,” he said.

The PPP chairman appealed for an immediate and peaceful end to the protests, emphasising that political grievances must be resolved through constitutional and democratic channels rather than street agitation.

He outlined a multi-pronged approach to restore peace in the region, centering on judicial reform and political reconciliation:

He proposed the establishment of a “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” to address long-standing grievances and systemic complaints within the region.

He said that the PPP has formally requested the AJK Election Commission to withdraw the prematurely issued election schedule to lower the political temperature.

Bilawal suggested that the AJK government could review recent notifications against the protesting group, provided the federal government and all stakeholders reach a consensus.

He stressed that individuals who have not committed crimes should not suffer from the state’s crackdown on violent elements.

On the diplomatic front, Bilawal hailed the looming framework agreement between the United States and Iran — being dubbed the “Islamabad Accord” due to Pakistan’s central mediating role.

“The fact that we are nearing the signing of the Islamabad Accord is a historic moment,” he said, noting that global attention is now firmly focused on Pakistan’s capacity as a regional peacemaker.

The AJK government recently designated the JKJAAC as a proscribed organisation.

Earlier, the AJK Law and Justice Department issued a notification restoring 177 First Information Reports (FIRs) against protesters that had previously been withdrawn.