If We Can Bring US and Iran Together, Why Not Reopen AJK?” Bilawal Questions Government Policy

Mirpur/Dadyal(Special Correspondent/News Desk)- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday called on the federal government to restore normalcy in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and reopen affected areas, emphasizing that public relief should remain a priority amid ongoing disruptions in the region.

Addressing an election rally in Dadyal, AJK, Bilawal said that if Pakistan could play a role in facilitating peace efforts between major international powers, it should also be able to address internal issues and remove difficulties faced by the people of Kashmir.

“If Pakistan can help bring peace between the United States and Iran and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, then it should also be able to reopen Kashmir,” Bilawal said while speaking to supporters.

His remarks referred to Pakistan’s reported diplomatic role in facilitating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the United States and Iran on June 17. The agreement included measures aimed at ending hostilities and restoring commercial movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

Bilawal’s statement came at a time when parts of AJK have witnessed political unrest, protests and disruptions ahead of the July 27 general elections. The situation has remained a key concern for residents, political parties and authorities due to its impact on daily life and public services.

The AJK government had earlier declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), alleging that the group was involved in activities categorized as terrorism. The decision was announced before the group’s planned protest demanding changes related to the 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly allocated for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.

During his address, Bilawal described the upcoming elections as one of the most significant political events in the history of the region. He said the polls would provide an important opportunity for the people of AJK to express their views and choose representatives who can effectively highlight their concerns.

The PPP chairman criticized the political leadership for failing to properly communicate the issues of Kashmiris to the federal government. He said that if the people gave PPP the opportunity to serve them, he would act as their voice and work to ensure their concerns receive attention at the national level.

Discussing the ongoing protests and political disagreements, Bilawal maintained that no challenge was beyond resolution through peaceful dialogue and democratic engagement. He stressed that political solutions should be preferred over confrontation to protect public interests.

Bilawal said that protesters had approached him regarding their concerns, following which he proposed the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission to address the issues through consultation and dialogue. He added that if such a mechanism was formed, he would encourage protesters to suspend their demonstrations and participate in the reconciliation process.

He urged both the protesters and government authorities to avoid actions that create hardships for ordinary citizens. According to Bilawal, restrictions affecting transportation, food supplies and essential goods ultimately harm the public, who should not be made to suffer because of political disagreements.

The PPP leader acknowledged that maintaining the government’s authority and ensuring law and order was the responsibility of the state, but he cautioned against collective punishment. He said that the actions of a few individuals should not result in difficulties for the entire population of Kashmir.

Bilawal also announced plans to hold a constitutional convention after the elections, stating that recommendations would be sought from the people while decisions regarding constitutional matters, including refugee seats and voting arrangements, would be taken by the relevant constitutional institutions.

He further demanded clarity from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the federal government’s position on recent statements made by cabinet members concerning Kashmir and refugee seats. Bilawal said that if statements made by officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, did not represent the government’s official policy, then appropriate action should be taken.

The PPP chairman also criticized remarks attributed to another federal minister regarding the 12 reserved Kashmir seats, saying that such statements reflected an inappropriate approach toward the electoral process and democratic representation in AJK.

He emphasized that the future of Kashmir’s political decisions could not be controlled by any individual or group, stating that the people, particularly the youth of Kashmir, had the right to determine their political direction through democratic means.

Bilawal concluded by urging voters to support PPP in the upcoming elections, describing them as a historic opportunity to strengthen public representation and address longstanding issues facing the people of AJK.