ISLAMABAD: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, head of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), on Sunday criticized the ongoing turmoil in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), asserting that it undermines both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s image. The situation has escalated with clashes between members of a banned organization and law enforcement, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.
“The unrest in AJK is creating a dangerous window for hostile elements and the India-Israel nexus to manipulate the situation,” Bilawal stated in a public announcement.
Recently, the AJK government designated the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing its involvement in terrorism activities. The ban came just days before the planned protest on June 9, which aimed to demand the abolition of 12 reserved seats for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
On June 8, authorities reported that members of the banned group had opened fire in Rawalakot, killing four police personnel and injuring over 20 security officials.
Bilawal emphasized that political grievances should be addressed through democratic and constitutional channels. He reiterated his party’s call for the Election Commission to postpone the current electoral timetable, advocating instead for a political solution to the crisis.
He announced that efforts were underway to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, intended to resolve outstanding issues and ensure justice. The PPP leader urged protesters to maintain peace and surrender those involved in illegal activities to authorities, stressing the importance of the rule of law.
“The people of Kashmir should not have to endure protests, confrontations, or instability,” he remarked. He also suggested that if the federal government and political parties reached consensus, the AJK administration might reconsider certain notifications related to protest organizers.
Bilawal reaffirmed that no compromise could be made on upholding legal standards and holding accountable those responsible for unlawful acts. However, he assured that innocent individuals should not suffer due to others’ misconduct.
This statement followed remarks by Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, who claimed that external forces were financing the banned JAAC. Sanaullah pointed out that the group had rejected multiple offers for peaceful resolution and had recently demanded the removal of a declaration stating that Kashmir’s future would be linked to Pakistan following independence.
Investigations reportedly revealed that foreign actors, including members of the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom, were funding the organization.
