Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday urged an immediate halt to the ongoing protests and sit-ins across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), encouraging demonstrators to channel their demands through political dialogue rather than street agitation.
Addressing the National Assembly about the political climate in AJK ahead of the regional elections, Bilawal proposed a comprehensive reform of the territory’s controversial “refugee seats” system. He criticized the existing quota arrangement, alleging it had been exploited in the past to favor specific political groups.
The 12 refugee seats, voted on by Kashmiri refugees residing in various parts of Pakistan, have long been a contentious issue, with some parties arguing that they disproportionately influence AJK’s internal political dynamics. Bilawal recommended replacing this system with a proportional representation model, where refugee seats would be distributed among political parties based on their performance in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
He emphasized that constitutional and electoral matters should not be settled through protests or coercive tactics but must be addressed within proper institutional frameworks. “Decisions regarding seats in AJK or any other province must be made through the appropriate constitutional forums,” he asserted.
Highlighting the disruption caused by ongoing strikes and civil unrest in AJK, Bilawal expressed concern over the negative impact on governance and called on protesters to end their sit-ins. “How can Azad Kashmir function if protests occur every day?” he questioned, noting that the government had already responded to several initial demands through dialogue.
He cautioned that individuals involved in illegal activities should face legal consequences, while also suggesting that administrative measures might be reconsidered if calm is restored. “Protesters must dismantle their camps unconditionally,” he insisted.
Bilawal affirmed that the PPP would actively contest the upcoming AJK elections, aiming to secure a strong mandate, referencing the party’s previous successes in Gilgit-Baltistan. Furthermore, he called for a wider national discussion on expanding constitutional and political rights for AJK residents, pending a United Nations-sponsored plebiscite.
As an interim step, he proposed enhanced international advocacy and increased representation of Kashmiris within Pakistani political institutions. In a significant development, Bilawal also warned of rising regional tensions following recent Iran–US diplomatic engagements, cautioning that hostile forces might seek to destabilize Pakistan and weaken the Kashmir cause.
“The entire country is fully prepared to confront Modi’s conspiracies,” he declared, underscoring the gravity of the situation ahead.
