ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Sunday the imminent signing of Islamabad accord marks a historic moment.
“At a time when the international spotlight is firmly on Pakistan, the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is damaging both the Kashmiri cause and Pakistan’s reputation. It is also creating an unnecessary opportunity for hostile actors and India-Israel nexus to exploit the situation for their own purposes,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
The PPP chairman said he, therefore, appeals to all protesters to bring their demonstrations to a peaceful conclusion. “Those individuals who have taken the law into their hands should surrender themselves to the local authorities and allow due process to take its course,” he said,
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said all political grievances and disagreements must be resolved through democratic, constitutional and peaceful means. He said parliament and the political process —not the streets — are the appropriate forums for addressing and settling such issues.
He said the PPP has already called upon the Election Commission to withdraw its premature election schedule. “We remain committed to pursuing a political solution and would seek to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address outstanding grievances, move the process forward and bring these matters to a just and lasting conclusion,” he said adding that the people of Kashmir should not have to endure repeated cycles of protest, confrontation and uncertainty.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari further said if all stakeholders, including the federal government, are in agreement, the AJK government could, in due course, review the notifications issued in relation to protesting parties. “While there can be no compromise when it comes to upholding the rule of law and holding accountable those who have engaged in unlawful acts, we are equally committed to ensuring that individuals who have done nothing wrong are not made to suffer the consequences of the actions of others,” he said.
