ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday directly 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”.
Bilawal Hails Islamabad Accord
In a press release, 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”.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hailed the imminent signing of the Islamabad Accord as a historic milestone.
International Scrutiny and Kashmir Cause
In a statement, Bilawal said the accord comes at a crucial time when Pakistan is under international scrutiny and warned that the ongoing unrest in AJK was damaging both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s global image.
“The imminent signing of the Islamabad Accord marks a historic moment. At a time when the international spotlight is firmly on Pakistan, the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is damaging both the Kashmiri cause and Pakistan’s reputation,” he said.
He added that the situation was providing an opportunity for hostile elements, including what he termed the “India-Israel nexus,” to exploit the unrest for their own interests.
Appeal to Protesters
Bilawal appealed to protesters to surrender before local authorities and allow legal processes to proceed. The PPP chairman emphasized that all political grievances and disagreements must be addressed through democratic, constitutional and peaceful means.
“Parliament and the political process, not the streets, are the appropriate forums for addressing and settling such issues,” he said. Bilawal noted that the PPP had already called on the Election Commission to withdraw the election schedule, which the party considers premature, and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing a political solution to the crisis.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
He said the party would seek the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address outstanding grievances, advance the reconciliation process and help achieve a just and lasting resolution.
“The people of Kashmir should not have to endure repeated cycles of protest, confrontation and uncertainty,” he said.
The PPP chairman said that, if all stakeholders, including the federal government, were in agreement, the AJK government could review notifications issued against protesting groups.
Rule of Law and Accountability
However, he underscored that there could be no compromise on the rule of law and accountability for those involved in unlawful acts, while ensuring that innocent individuals are not unfairly affected.
“While there can be no compromise when it comes to upholding the rule of law and holding accountable those who have engaged in unlawful acts, we are equally committed to ensuring that individuals who have done nothing wrong are not made to suffer the consequences of the actions of others,” he said.
