A.J.KASHMIR: The PPP leader, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, on Wednesday, stressed that constitutional reforms cannot be achieved through protests or force, asserting that the armed forces are a red line for his party.
Expressing concern over the recent violent demonstrations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal called for the establishment of an independent, high-powered commission to investigate the unrest in accordance with national laws. He addressed senior PPP officials and ticket holders in Muzaffarabad, emphasizing that the situation impacts not only Kashmiris but the entire Pakistani nation.
Following the banning of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on June 5—due to its alleged involvement in terrorism—the group planned protests on June 9 aimed at challenging the status of 12 reserved seats for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The ban was enacted just days before these demonstrations.
Bilawal called for a full investigative commission empowered to examine recent developments, urging law enforcement agencies to proceed strictly within the bounds of the law. He warned politicians across Pakistan and AJK to act responsibly and maintain restraint during these sensitive times.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces are a red line and would not tolerate any language or rhetoric against them. Bilawal emphasized that any anti-military statements from AJK were unacceptable and that the PPP would oppose any anti-state narratives.
Addressing the Kashmiri community, Bilawal expressed deep sorrow whenever offensive remarks were made against Kashmiris. He stressed that commitments to Kashmiri rights must be upheld and that no remarks or actions should undermine their dignity.
The PPP leader underscored that violent protests and demonstrations are unacceptable under any circumstances, and warned against attempts to impose constitutional changes through protests or force, cautioning against the spread of terrorism politics in Kashmir.
Bilawal reiterated his long-standing support for the Kashmir cause, emphasizing that Kashmir’s future should be decided by its people. He added that refugees’ voting rights should be protected and highlighted Pakistan’s readiness to shed blood alongside Kashmiris for their rights.
He also warned of regional tensions, mentioning that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israel’s leadership had previously visited Israel before the Iran conflict, and cautioned against any potential moves by India against the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), asserting Pakistan’s firm stance on its water rights.
Bilawal praised the role of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in maintaining regional stability and peace.
In response to a letter from JAAC, Bilawal stated that the ongoing loss of lives in AJK is a national tragedy. He emphasized that every Kashmiri life is valuable and condemned violence against civilians, police, and security personnel alike.
He proposed establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with input from all stakeholders to address the ongoing turmoil. The commission’s goal would be to formulate recommendations for a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution to the region’s challenges.
Bilawal underscored that Pakistan’s relationship with Kashmir should be rooted in mutual respect, democratic rights, and consent. He urged authorities to halt further measures while the commission conducted its investigations, and he appealed to JAAC to suspend its planned march and sit-ins once an agreement on the commission’s formation was reached.
He called for measures that would prevent further bloodshed, rebuild public trust, and ensure transparency in resolving the crisis.
