MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Wednesday that criticism of Pakistan’s armed forces would not be tolerated from any part of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing PPP office-bearers and workers in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal said decisions concerning Kashmir must be made by the Kashmiri people, but constitutional changes could not be imposed through armed pressure, violence or prolonged sit-ins.
He said peaceful protest was a democratic right, while violent demonstrations could not be permitted.
Bilawal urged protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to end their demonstrations and called for the political crisis to be resolved through dialogue, restraint and public confidence.
Bilawal Calls for Political Dialogue in AJK
The PPP chairman said the continuing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was a matter of concern for both Pakistanis and Kashmiris.
He warned that prolonged instability could damage Pakistan’s image and weaken the Kashmir cause.
Bilawal said the current situation could not be resolved through the use of force and called on political leaders, protesters and the federal government to pursue negotiations.
He said the federal government had a responsibility to help end the crisis, claiming that statements by some federal ministers had contributed to tensions in the region.
The PPP chairman said no individual sitting in Islamabad should have the authority to decide who qualified as a Kashmiri.
He added that the political future of Kashmir should be determined by its people.
Peaceful Protest Is a Right, Violence Is Not
Bilawal said the PPP supported the public’s right to peaceful protest but would not accept violent demonstrations or political tactics involving weapons.
He said he did not want a culture of intimidation or violence to take root in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged all sides to avoid rhetoric or actions that could worsen the situation and said constitutional amendments could not be secured through force or sit-ins.
Bilawal also said inappropriate language against Kashmiris was unacceptable and deeply hurtful.
At the same time, he described the armed forces as a “red line” and said statements against them would not be tolerated.
He credited Pakistan’s military leadership with playing a role in maintaining peace and referred to the armed forces’ performance during last year’s regional confrontation with India.
Bilawal said the crisis should be resolved within Azad Jammu and Kashmir through political engagement rather than coercion.
He called for wisdom, dialogue and a peaceful settlement that protected public rights without undermining constitutional order or the Kashmir cause.
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