PoK protests: Amid raging unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, an ally of the Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government, has warned Islamabad of wide-ranging consequences if the PoK protests are not quelled at the earliest and reconciliation sought with the people of the region.
What did Bilawal Bhutto say about PoK protest?
Addressing PPP leaders in PoK capital Muzaffarabad, Bilawal Bhutto termed violence in restive region a “national tragedy”, and warned the Shehbaz Sharif government of cascading consequences of the unrest that could weaken Pakistan’s position on the wider Kashmir issue, and damage the country’s credibility on the global stage.
“The situation in Azad Kashmir has been very worrying for the past month. Every Kashmiri is worried and every Pakistani is concerned. The longer this (unrest) continues, the more damage will be done to the Kashmir issue and Pakistan’s credibility,” he said.
The former Pakistani foreign minister also proposed the formation of an independent commission with the consent of all parties to investigate the violence and suggest a way forward to resolve disputes.
“I propose to form an independent commission of all concerned parties. The commission should be given adequate powers to investigate the current situation, ascertain relevant facts, consider the grievances and positions of all parties, review pending political, legal and administrative issues, and suggest a fair and lasting way forward.”
Why Bilawal Bhutto warned Pakistan govt of consequences?
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari demanded the Shehbaz Sharif government in Islamabad to investigate every allegation of violence in PoK “every allegation must be investigated diligently, impartially, and according to due process”.
Further, Zardari warned that continued confrontation will only result in further damage and lead to more inflammatory accusations, urging restraint from the protesters as well as the Pakistani government. “If my proposal is acceptable to the Pakistan government, the PoK government, and the protesters, I appeal to the protesters to stop further protests, sit-ins, and long marches.”
Bhutto described every death during the PoK protests as a “national tragedy”, and said he has discussed the proposal with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who assured him that he would raise it with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Dozens killed as PoK protest rages on
Violent protests are raging across Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), sparking a civil war-like situation in the disputed territory as thousands of protesters have hit the streets against the Pakistani government and the country’s armed forces.
According to reports, dozens of protesters have been killed, while more 100 people have been injured in firing by police and armed forces.
First published on: Jul 15, 2026 11:04 PM IST
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