PPP chairman urges peaceful resolution as unrest in AJK escalates

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday said the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is damaging both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s international reputation, as clashes between law enforcement agencies and members of a proscribed group continue to cause casualties and injuries.

In a statement, Bilawal said the situation in AJK was providing “unnecessary opportunities” for hostile elements to exploit, adding that instability in the region could be used by external actors against Pakistan’s interests.

His remarks come amid rising tensions in AJK following violent clashes involving members of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which the AJK government declared a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act on June 5, alleging its involvement in terrorist activities.

The ban was imposed days before the group announced protests on June 9, demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Assembly for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.

Earlier on June 8, AJK police said that alleged firing by members of the banned outfit resulted in the deaths of four law enforcement personnel and left more than 20 others injured in Rawalakot.

Bilawal said political differences and grievances must be resolved through democratic, constitutional and peaceful means, stressing that parliament and the political process are the appropriate forums for such matters. He added that his party had already called for the Election Commission to withdraw the “premature” electoral schedule.

He also supported the idea of establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address grievances and help bring matters to a fair conclusion.

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Appealing for calm, the PPP chairman urged protesters to end demonstrations peacefully and called on those involved in unlawful activities to surrender to authorities and allow legal processes to proceed.

He said the people of Kashmir should not be forced to live through confrontation and uncertainty, adding that if all parties reach an agreement, the AJK government could review relevant notifications.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said external elements were financing the proscribed group, claiming involvement of members of the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom and alleging the group had rejected multiple offers for peaceful resolution.