Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has proposed the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), describing the recent loss of lives as a "national tragedy" and urging all stakeholders to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation.
In a letter addressed to the Core Committee and Negotiation Committee of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), Bilawal acknowledged receiving the committee's letter dated July 14 and expressed condolences over the deaths reported during the recent unrest.
"The continuing loss of life in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a national tragedy," Bilawal wrote. "Every Kashmiri life is precious."
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, stressing that the lives of both peaceful citizens and law enforcement personnel must be protected.
Bilawal said the people of Azad Kashmir have an unquestionable right to peacefully raise their political, economic and constitutional grievances.
He maintained that peaceful protesters should not be labelled as terrorists, anti-Pakistan or foreign agents simply for demanding their rights.
"Any allegation of violence, whether against a protester or a member of law enforcement, must be investigated individually, impartially and according to law," he said.
The PPP chairman said the current confrontation could not be resolved through force or inflammatory rhetoric, noting that conflicting narratives surrounding recent events required an impartial mechanism.
To address the crisis, Bilawal proposed establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with the agreement of all stakeholders.
He said the commission should be empowered to establish the facts, review grievances, examine implementation of previous agreements, investigate legal and administrative disputes, and recommend a just and lasting political solution.
Bilawal also reiterated his opposition to statements questioning the Kashmiri identity of the people of Rawalakot.
"No one sitting in Islamabad has the right to determine who is or is not Kashmiri," he wrote, adding that the dignity and identity of the people of AJK were not dependent on their agreement with any government.
He appealed to the JKJAAC to ensure its movement remains peaceful and urged the committee to suspend its proposed long march and sit-ins once an agreement is reached on establishing the commission.
At the same time, Bilawal called on the authorities to refrain from further coercive measures while the proposed commission carries out its work.
"The Pakistan Peoples Party is ready to play its part to help resolve the current crisis in the best interest of the people of Kashmir," he concluded.
Earlier statement
Earlier on Wednesday, Bilawal addressed PPP office-bearers and ticket holders in Muzaffarabad, where he reiterated that no one sitting in Islamabad had the authority to decide who is Kashmiri.
He called for constitutional, political and economic reforms in Azad Kashmir, saying a constitutional convention could be convened after the upcoming AJK elections.
Bilawal also proposed forming an independent commission with full powers to investigate recent developments in the region and urged all political parties to play a constructive role.
While condemning violence in all forms, he stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and said investigations into recent incidents should be conducted in accordance with the law.
He further warned political leaders against using rhetoric that could benefit Pakistan's adversaries, while reaffirming the PPP's commitment to resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue and constitutional means.
