Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Kashmir Issue deserves the same level of attention as Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. He stated that if Pakistan can help reopen the Strait of Hormuz through mediation, it should also work to ease restrictions affecting Kashmir.
Addressing an election rally in Dadyal, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bilawal said the upcoming AJK elections are among the most important in the region’s history and represent a major test for Pakistan. He added that political leaders have not done enough to effectively raise the voice of the Kashmiri people, allowing non-democratic forces to take advantage during political crises.
Bilawal said that even if some protesters in Azad Kashmir acted unlawfully, the entire region should not be punished for the actions of a few individuals. He stressed that only those responsible should face legal action, while ordinary citizens should not suffer disruptions to their businesses and daily lives.
He also revealed that after receiving a letter from the protesters, he proposed the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to help resolve the dispute through dialogue. According to Bilawal, he would urge protesters to end their demonstrations if such a commission is established, although he has not yet received a response to the proposal.
Bilawal further criticized recent statements by federal ministers regarding Kashmir and called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to clarify whether those remarks reflect the federal government’s official policy. He also demanded the removal of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif from the federal cabinet, saying a clear and consistent position on the Kashmir Issue is essential.