Bilawal Bhutto proposes truth and reconciliation commission to resolve AJK crisis

MIRPUR, Jul 15 (APP): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday called for political dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), proposing the establishment of a  ” Truth and Reconciliation Commission ” to investigate recent unrest and promote reconciliation among stakeholders.

Addressing PPP workers and supporters in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal described the recent unrest as “deeply troubling” for both Kashmiris and Pakistanis, warning that continued tensions would damage both the region and Pakistan’s international standing.

He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in recent incidents, calling the deaths a national tragedy, and offered condolences to the families of those killed while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

“Every Kashmiri life is precious. The death of any peaceful citizen cannot be justified as a consequence of political disagreement,” Bilawal said, adding that the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel also deserved respect.

The PPP chairman urged authorities not to label peaceful protesters as terrorists, anti-Pakistan elements or foreign agents. If allegations of violence existed against any individual or group, he said, they should be examined through an impartial legal process.

Bilawal argued that the crisis could not be resolved through force, political confrontation or unilateral action. Instead, he called for implementation of existing written agreements, transparent investigations into past incidents and negotiations aimed at addressing outstanding disputes.

To facilitate reconciliation, he proposed establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with broad powers to establish facts, hear all stakeholders, examine political, legal and administrative issues, and recommend practical solutions. He urged protesters to keep their movement peaceful and consider suspending demonstrations until consensus was reached on forming the commission. He also appealed to the federal government and the AJK administration to avoid further escalatory measures until the commission completed its work.

Bilawal criticized remarks questioning the identity of the people of Rawalakot, saying no one in Islamabad could determine who qualified as a Kashmiri.

“The dignity and identity of the people of Azad Kashmir are not conditional upon their agreement or disagreement with any government,” he said.

He said the relationship between Pakistan and the people of Kashmir should be based on democratic rights, dignity, mutual respect and public consent, stressing that preventing further bloodshed and rebuilding public trust should remain the immediate priority.

Referring to regional and international developments, Bilawal said Pakistan faced significant challenges amid a changing global environment. He praised the country’s armed forces for safeguarding national security while urging politicians, activists, policymakers and protesters to act responsibly.

He also warned against rhetoric that could be exploited by hostile forces and said political competition should not come at the expense of national interests.

On constitutional reforms, Bilawal reiterated the PPP’s support for greater political, economic and administrative empowerment for the people of AJK. He said constitutional amendments could be considered after the elections to strengthen local governance and address longstanding concerns.

He also called for an open debate on reserved refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, saying refugee representation should be protected while ensuring that decisions concerning Kashmir remained in the hands of Kashmiris.

Bilawal further proposed granting observer status to AJK representatives in Pakistan’s National Assembly, Senate, Council of Common Interests (CCI) and National Finance Commission (NFC), arguing that participation in national institutions would provide Kashmiris with a stronger voice in policymaking.

Drawing comparisons with governance reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan, he advocated greater local control over land and natural resources, saying the people of Kashmir should directly benefit from the region’s economic opportunities.

Concluding his address, Bilawal urged PPP workers and election candidates to intensify campaigning ahead of the July 27 polls, saying the party sought a public mandate to advance both the Kashmir cause internationally and governance reforms within AJK.

He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for considering his proposals and reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to pursuing a democratic and political resolution to the crisis.