MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday declared Pakistan’s armed forces his party’s “red line” while vowing to defend the dignity of the Kashmiri people.
“If someone uses inappropriate language against Kashmiris, we will be heartbroken. And if someone speaks up against our army, we can’t tolerate that as well,” Bilawal told his party’s office bearers and ticket holders during an unscheduled visit to the region ahead of July 27 elections.
Pakistan’s Armed Forces Are Our Red Line; Any Campaign Against Them Will Not Be Tolerated: PPP Chairman @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/OgrL3MN9UQ
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 15, 2026
Bilawal’s remarks came as the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) continued disruptive activities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, causing difficulties for the local population and impacting businesses.
Turning his attention to the present situation in AJK, Bilawal said it was surely “very concerning”.
“The longer it persists, the more harm will be caused to the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s reputation and position,” he added.
At this point, Bilawal also highlighted the global situation, saying “big changes are taking place and conspiracies are underway globally”. And in this situation, the role of Pakistan and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was “significant”, he said.
He continued, “Pakistan’s role, our Field Marshal’s role is before you in this situation; Pakistan is playing its role for regional peace; Pakistan has responded to India’s attacks; Pakistan and its armed forces are responding to terrorists sent by India via Afghanistan to carry out attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan; entire Pakistan is ready to respond to Modi as he weaponises water.”
Read Also: No Concessions for Armed and Violent Groups Challenging State Writ, Warns Azad Kashmir Government
He recalled that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Israel shortly before the US and Israel launched the ongoing war on Iran. Mentioning this, he stressed the need to realise that some powers were looking for opportunities to work against Pakistan, which was leading the efforts to foil their conspiracy of plunging the world into a war.
“All of us should think; Politicians in Pakistan and Kashmir, political workers, the common man and the people who are protesting should realise that we should choose our words carefully in these circumstances.
“We should do politics, but in a manner so that an adversary of Pakistan does not get to take advantage of our internal situation,” he said.
Banned action committee’s violence claims lives
Then, again mentioning the situation in AJK, he said, “We all want that all issues be resolved politically and peacefully. We are making efforts for this.”
He added that the government’s stance is clear and justified as “no one can blackmail the state, and the state is not ready to surrender”.
He then shared his and his party’s perspective on the matter.
“The continuing loss of lives in AJK, including the deaths reported yesterday, is a national tragedy,” he said, expressing his “deepest condolences” to every bereaved family.
At least two law enforcers were martyred in clashes on Tuesday.
Read Also: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Calls for Maulana Fazl’s Apology Over Remarks on Martyrs
Every Kashmiri life is precious
Bilawal said while addressing PPP members: “Every Kashmiri life is precious.”
He emphasised that people of AJK had an “unquestionable right” to raise their political, economic, and constitutional grievances but “peacefully”.
“Protesters must not engage in violence or hate speech,” he said.
“Pakistan’s relationship with the people of Kashmir must be founded upon consent, dignity, democratic rights, and mutual respect,” he said.
“I appeal to the protesters to suspend their activities, sit-ins and long marches once the agreement has been reached,” he added.
