Muzaffarabad, July 15,2026: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday called for the formation of a high-powered commission to investigate the recent violence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging all stakeholders to act responsibly and work towards restoring peace in the region.
Addressing the PPP leadership and party ticket holders in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal said the situation in AJK was a matter of concern not only for the people of Kashmir but for the entire country.
His remarks came amid escalating violence linked to sit-ins and protests across parts of AJK ahead of the July 27 elections for the 53-member Legislative Assembly.
Bilawal proposed the establishment of a commission with full investigative powers to examine recent incidents in accordance with the state’s laws, stressing that law enforcement agencies should conduct their inquiries transparently and within the legal framework.
He urged politicians, protesters and political parties in both Pakistan and AJK to exercise restraint and choose their words carefully, emphasizing that everyone had a responsibility to help maintain peace during the sensitive political period.
The PPP chairman reiterated his party’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s armed forces, describing them as a “red line” for the PPP and warning that rhetoric directed against the military would not be tolerated.
He also condemned remarks targeting the people of Kashmir, saying the PPP would never accept offensive language against Kashmiris and that commitments made to them must be honored.
Bilawal maintained that violent protests could not be justified under any circumstances, adding that constitutional amendments could neither be imposed through sit-ins nor at gunpoint. He cautioned against allowing the “politics of terrorism” to gain ground in Kashmir.
Reaffirming the PPP’s longstanding support for the Kashmir cause, Bilawal said his party had consistently raised the voice of the Kashmiri people and would continue to stand by them. He stressed that the future of Kashmir must be determined by its own people while safeguarding the voting rights of refugees.
Commenting on regional issues, Bilawal said there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s share of the Indus waters and warned that the nation was prepared to respond if India took any action against the Indus Waters Treaty.
He also praised Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Separately, Bilawal responded to a letter from the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), describing the continued loss of life in AJK as a national tragedy.
He said every Kashmiri’s life was precious and stressed that the deaths of peaceful citizens, as well as police and security personnel, should never be regarded as an acceptable consequence of political differences.
To address the crisis, Bilawal proposed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with the consent of all stakeholders. He said the body should formulate recommendations aimed at achieving a fair, peaceful and lasting resolution to the challenges facing AJK.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s relationship with the people of Kashmir should be founded on consent, dignity, democratic rights and mutual respect, adding that preventing further bloodshed and restoring public trust should be the immediate priority.
Bilawal appealed to the JAAC to suspend its proposed long march and sit-ins once an agreement was reached on the formation of the commission. He also urged the authorities to refrain from taking further action while the commission conducted its work and awaited its findings and recommendations.
