Bilawal warns prolonged AJK unrest could damage Kashmir cause, Pakistan's image

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned on Wednesday that continued unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir could undermine the Kashmir cause and damage Pakistan's international image.

Tensions persisted in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) ahead of regional elections later this month.

Why did Bilawal warn about AJK unrest?

Bilawal said prolonged unrest in AJK would harm both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan's global reputation, the longer it continued.

He made the remarks during a visit to the region, describing the situation as "very concerning" and warning of wider political and diplomatic consequences.

What did Bilawal say during his AJK visit?

Speaking to party office-bearers and election candidates, Bilawal said the damage to Pakistan's image and the Kashmir cause would grow the longer the crisis persisted.

His visit came as AJK remained gripped by unrest following deadly clashes between security forces and supporters of the recently proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Authorities said elections scheduled for July 27 would proceed as planned despite the violence.

How many people were killed in the AJK clashes a day ago?

At least seven civilians, one paramilitary soldier and one police officer were killed in Tuesday's violence, according to officials. Internet services also remained suspended across parts of the region as unrest continued.

The clashes marked one of the most serious escalations in AJK in recent months.

What are the 12 reserved seats protesters want abolished?

The unrest stems from opposition to the allocation of 12 seats in the 45-member AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees who settled in Pakistan after the 1947 partition.

JAAC, a civil rights group leading the campaign, had called a strike on June 9 to press its demand that the reserved seats be abolished ahead of the July 27 elections.

How many people have been killed in the AJK unrest?

The protests have turned violent in recent weeks. Last month, at least seven people, four police officers, and three protesters, were killed in clashes in Rawalakot.

Separately, at least seven civilians, one paramilitary soldier, and one police officer were killed in fresh violence on Tuesday, and internet services remained suspended across parts of the region. This week, protest leaders said two demonstrators were killed during fresh confrontations in Mirpur, though the region's police chief disputed the claim.

What did Bilawal say about Kashmiris and the military?

Bilawal said former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had taught the PPP to stand with the people of Kashmir, adding that the party would always share their pain.

He criticized the use of offensive language against Kashmiris, calling such rhetoric unacceptable. On the military, he said criticism of the armed forces was a separate issue, but stressed that soldiers who fought in what he called "Marka-i-Haq" against India last year represented a "red line" for his party.

What did Bilawal say about the wider regional situation?

Bilawal said Pakistan faced a challenging geopolitical environment and argued that the country's leadership and armed forces were playing an important role amid rising regional tensions.

He said Pakistan had responded to Indian military actions and was combating militants allegedly backed by India through Afghanistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He added that Pakistan was prepared to respond to what he described as India's use of water as a weapon.

Bilawal arrived in AJK on Tuesday ahead of the July 27 elections amid heightened political tensions across the region.