PPP links AJK election to peace in region

The developments came as two people were killed and eight others injured in a clash between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appealed to protesters in AJK to end their demonstrations, warning that the unrest was “damaging both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s international reputation”. In a statement, the PPP chairman said the imminent signing of the Pakistan-mediated peace agreement between the United States and Iran marked “a historic moment”. “At a time when the international spotlight is firmly on Pakistan, the ongoing unrest in AJK is damaging both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s reputation,” the former foreign minister added. He urged protesters to end their demonstrations peacefully and asked those who had “taken the law into their own hands” to surrender to the authorities and allow “due process to take its course”. The PPP chairman stressed that political grievances should be resolved through “democratic, constitutional and peaceful means”. “Parliament and the political process — not the streets — are the appropriate forums for addressing and settling such issues,” he said. Recalling that the PPP had already asked the AJK Election Commission to withdraw its “premature election schedule” for polls set for July 27, he said the party remained committed to a political solution and would seek the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address outstanding grievances. In an apparent reference to the June 5 decision t