AJK crisis can be resolved through political dialogue and in peaceful manner: Bilawal

Dadyal (Web Desk): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said the current situation is a test for both Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Pakistan, stressing that the responsibility of political leaders is to serve the people and resolve their problems through democratic means.

Addressing a public gathering in Dadyal, Bilawal said political issues can only be settled through political dialogue, adding that it is the duty of political leadership to ensure the voices of the Kashmiri people are heard in Islamabad.

He warned that whenever political crises emerge, non-political and extremist elements find opportunities to exploit the situation.

He said that if the people of Kashmir entrust the PPP with responsibility, the party will represent their aspirations and work towards a political solution to the Kashmir issue.

Bilawal urged protesters to suspend their demonstrations until the commission investigating the matter submits its report.

He also called on the government to halt its actions until the commission completes its proceedings.

He emphasised that peaceful protest is the democratic right of every citizen, but said the supply of essential commodities should not be disrupted.

He added that the mistakes of a few individuals should not result in hardship for the entire population.

The PPP chairman said it is the people of Kashmir who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing crisis, urging all stakeholders to act responsibly and work towards easing public suffering.

He further stated that Pakistan can play a constructive role in promoting peace in the region and said it is the government's responsibility to uphold the writ of the state while taking effective measures to address public concerns.

Bilawal also reaffirmed the PPP's commitment to continuing the struggle for the rights of the people of Kashmir, saying the right to self-governance remains a fundamental part of the party's manifesto.

Referring to the political landscape in the region, he said there is a prevailing perception that whichever party forms the government in Islamabad also comes to power in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

According to Bilawal, many of the issues faced by the two regions stem from this mindset.

He maintained that the PPP is the only political party consistently striving to secure the people's right to self-governance and pledged that the party would continue taking practical steps to protect the rights of the Kashmiri people and address their concerns.