By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday warned that the continuing unrest in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) could undermine the Kashmir cause and damage Pakistan's international standing, calling for political dialogue and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to end the crisis.

Speaking to party office-bearers and election candidates during an unscheduled visit to AJK ahead of the July 27 legislative elections, Bilawal described the situation in the disputed region as "very concerning, " according to daily Dawn.

"The longer it persists, the more harm will be caused to the Kashmir cause and Pakistan's reputation and position," he said.

AJK has witnessed weeks of protests and deadly clashes between security forces and supporters of the recently proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a protest movement demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who settled in Pakistan after the 1947 partition.

At least two security personnel and seven JAAC activists were killed in separate clashes on Tuesday, according to officials.

Bilawal expressed condolences to the families of those killed, calling the loss of life "a national tragedy."

"Every Kashmiri life is precious," he said, adding that both civilians and members of law enforcement deserved equal protection.

He stressed that Kashmiris had the right to raise political, economic and constitutional grievances peacefully but said violence and hate speech should be avoided.

Bilawal also cautioned authorities against branding peaceful protesters as terrorists or foreign agents simply for demanding their rights.

"The present confrontation cannot be resolved through force or inflammatory accusations," he said.

The PPP chairman proposed establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission with the consent of all stakeholders to investigate the recent violence, review grievances from all sides, assess the implementation of previous agreements and recommend a long-term political solution.

He also reiterated that no authority in Islamabad had the right to question the identity of Kashmiris.

"The dignity and identity of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are not conditional upon their agreement with any government," he said.

Appealing to protesters to keep demonstrations peaceful, Bilawal said the objective was not to silence dissent but to create space for meaningful negotiations.

"Our first responsibility is to prevent further bloodshed and restore trust through verifiable actions," he added.

Bilawal also referred to broader regional developments, saying Pakistan was facing multiple external challenges, including tensions with India and the wider Middle East crisis.

He praised Pakistan's armed forces and described them as a "red line," while urging politicians and protesters to avoid rhetoric that could be exploited by Pakistan's adversaries.

He argued that political differences should not weaken Pakistan's position internationally or affect the country's stance on Kashmir.

- Dar, Bilawal discuss AJK situation

Separately, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Bilawal at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad, according to a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister's Office.

The two leaders discussed issues of national importance and exchanged views on the overall political situation, including developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, administered by Pakistan, is part of the wider Kashmir region claimed in full by both Pakistan and India but divided between them since 1947. The territory is scheduled to hold legislative elections on July 27.

The latest unrest began after the Joint Awami Action Committee launched protests against the continued allocation of 12 reserved assembly seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir living in Pakistan. Authorities recently banned the group, leading to intensified demonstrations and clashes with security forces.

The violence has emerged as one of the most serious political crises in AJK in recent years, prompting calls from political leaders and civil society for dialogue to prevent further escalation ahead of the polls.