PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s appeal to protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to bring their demonstration to a peaceful conclusion deserves serious consideration from all stakeholders. Referring to the imminent signing of the Islamabad Accord, Bilawal described it as a historic moment and warned that the continuing unrest in AJK is harming both the Kashmiri cause and Pakistan’s international image. His call for political grievances to be addressed through democratic and constitutional means rather than confrontation on the streets reflects a principle that remains central to any sustainable political settlement.
Indeed no issue can be resolved through confrontation. History repeatedly demonstrates that the solution to political crisis lies in negotiations, compromise and dialogue. The current impasse in AJK is no exception. Continued protests, road blockades and unrest are imposing additional hardships on the local population whose daily lives, businesses, education, and access to services are being affected. While the right to protest is an essential democratic right, it should not come at the expense of the wider public. At this stage, all sides must recognise that the time has come to move from agitation to engagement. Bilawal Bhutto is correct in highlighting the broader implications of the crisis. At a time when Pakistan is seeking to project a positive image internationally and when developments such as the Islamabad Accord have drawn attention to the country’s diplomatic efforts, scenes of internal unrest inevitably reflect poorly on the state.
Equally important is the risk that hostile actors may seek to exploit the situation. Periods of political turmoil often provide opportunities for adversaries to spread misinformation, fuel divisions and undermine stability. Through propaganda campaigns, our enemies have historically sought to benefit from internal discord. Internet disruptions in parts of AJK and adjoining areas have caused significant inconvenience for residents, businesses, students and professionals. Such restrictions often affect the general population far more than the leadership of protest movements, which can frequently rely on alternative means of communication, including satellite-based technologies. The path forward is clear. The government and protestors should sit across the table, engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards a mutually acceptable solution.
