Amid PoK Unrest, Bilawal Bhutto Opposes Military Action, Seeks Talks With Protesters

Last Updated:June 14, 2026, 20:27 IST

Bilawal Bhutto has opposed military action against PoK protesters, urging talks with the Awami Action Committee and calling for a democratic resolution to the crisis.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has opposed the use of military force against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), urging the government to engage in dialogue with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to address growing unrest in the region.

Speaking on the ongoing protests, Bilawal warned that a heavy-handed response could damage Pakistan’s international image and provide an opportunity for its adversaries to exploit the situation.

He said the unrest in PoK should be resolved through democratic and political means rather than force, stressing that Parliament, not the streets, should remain the primary forum for addressing grievances.

Calls for Talks With Protesters

The PPP chief appealed to members of the Awami Action Committee to end their protests and participate in negotiations with the government.

The PPP chairman said meaningful dialogue was necessary to restore normalcy and address public concerns, adding that a political solution would be more sustainable than confrontation.

Warns Against Use of Force

While emphasising the importance of maintaining law and order, he cautioned against actions that could harm innocent people.

“There can be no compromise on the rule of law, but innocent citizens should not suffer," he said while commenting on notifications and actions issued in connection with the protests.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions in PoK, where demonstrations over political and economic issues have led to confrontations between protesters and authorities.

Seeks Democratic Resolution

Bilawal argued that Pakistan’s democratic institutions should be used to address political disputes and called for greater engagement with stakeholders.

He proposed the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine grievances and help prevent recurring cycles of protests and unrest in the region.

According to the PPP leader, such a mechanism could help build trust between authorities and citizens while creating a platform for long-term solutions.

Questions Election Schedule

Bilawal also called on the Election Commission to withdraw what he described as a “premature" election schedule, arguing that the prevailing political climate was not conducive to a fair electoral process.

The PPP chairman’s comments come as political tensions continue to simmer in PoK, with opposition groups demanding reforms and greater accountability from the administration.

His intervention signals growing concern within Pakistan’s political establishment over the handling of the protests and the potential impact of the unrest on the country’s domestic and international standing.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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