Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday called for dialogue to resolve issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging protesters to end their demonstrations and engage with the government ahead of the upcoming elections.
Bilawal made the remarks while chairing a meeting of state office-bearers, party officials and PPP election candidates in Muzaffarabad.
The meeting was attended by former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, acting President of Azad Kashmir and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Chaudhry Latif Akbar, PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, Prime Minister Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed and other party leaders.
During the briefing, party leaders informed the PPP chairman that the party was running a vigorous election campaign across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and that its candidates were actively campaigning in every constituency. They claimed the PPP had a strong presence throughout the region, from Bhimber to Taobut.
Addressing the meeting, Bilawal said the Pakistan People's Party had always stood by the people of Kashmir. He revealed that before travelling to Azad Kashmir, he had spoken to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar regarding resolving supply and distribution issues being faced by residents.
Referring to the ongoing protests in the region, Bilawal said demonstrators had set a record by protesting for 30 days but stressed that protests could not continue indefinitely. He urged protesters to end the sit-ins and resolve their grievances through dialogue.
"History has taught us that rights are not achieved through extremist behaviour. We must secure our rights while working within the system," he said.
The PPP chairman also criticised political parties that have announced a boycott of the electoral process, saying participation in elections was essential for strengthening democracy.
Speaking about governance in Azad Kashmir, Bilawal observed that although the territory was autonomous in name, it remained heavily dependent on federal grants. He questioned whether Azad Kashmir was effectively accountable to the federal government or to its own prime minister, and called for broader constitutional debate on the region's governance.
He stressed the need to address the aspirations of young people in Azad Kashmir, warning that failure to do so could create space for forces seeking to exploit public frustration. He said the younger generation was no longer satisfied with the status quo and expected meaningful political and economic reforms.
Bilawal proposed interim representation for Azad Kashmir in the National Assembly, even in the capacity of observers, arguing that Kashmiris should have a voice when issues affecting the region are discussed at the national level. He also suggested representation for Azad Kashmir at the National Finance Commission (NFC) forum to ensure the region's interests are properly represented.
He further proposed convening a constitutional forum after the elections, where representatives of the people of Azad Kashmir and all relevant stakeholders could deliberate on constitutional and governance issues concerning the region.
Bilawal maintained that, with the support of the federal government and political consensus, the Azad Kashmir government had fulfilled the protesters' demands. He also said he did not want the politics associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Altaf Hussain to emerge in Azad Kashmir.
The PPP chairman announced that he would remain in Azad Kashmir until the conclusion of the elections to oversee the party's campaign.
Earlier, Bilawal arrived in Muzaffarabad on a three-day visit. Party leaders and workers, including Acting President of Azad Kashmir and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Chaudhry Latif Akbar, warmly welcomed him at Kohala Bridge. Supporters chanted slogans in his favour during the reception.
He was brought to the capital in a large convoy comprising hundreds of vehicles. During his visit, Bilawal will hold meetings with PPP candidates and party leaders from the Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions to discuss the party's political strategy.
Later tonight, PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin will host a dinner in honour of the PPP chairman. Candidates contesting the elections, along with divisional and district party presidents from Muzaffarabad and Poonch, are expected to attend.
Tight security arrangements have been made for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's visit.