Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Proposes Abolishing Kashmir Affairs Ministry for AJK Empowerment
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has proposed significant constitutional reforms for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including the abolition of the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs. Speaking on Friday, July 17th, 2026, in Dadyal, Mirpur district, he launched the PPP's campaign for the upcoming AJK elections on July 27th, calling them the most crucial in the region's history. Bhutto-Zardari outlined a constitutional agenda for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, advocating for constitutional conventions post-election to gather input on legislative reforms. He stressed that only the people of Jammu and Kashmir should determine their political future, while protecting refugee seats. The PPP leader also called for AJK to gain interim representative status in national bodies like the National Finance Commission and the Council of Common Interests, drawing a parallel to Kashmir's observer status in the OIC. He suggested that if powers were devolved to the elected AJK government, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs would become redundant. Bhutto-Zardari proposed that the AJK government could nominate a foreign affairs representative to the federal cabinet. Addressing recent unrest, he reiterated his earlier proposal for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to resolve underlying issues, suggesting it could be a way forward if both state and protesters agreed. He criticized road blockades for exacerbating public suffering and the suspension of internet services as a form of collective punishment. Bhutto-Zardari also criticized Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Prime Minister's adviser Rana Sanaullah for remarks perceived as undermining Kashmiri identity and electoral influence.
This proposal by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari suggests a shift in governance strategy for the AJK region, aiming to decentralize power and enhance local autonomy by eliminating a dedicated federal ministry. The initiative appears to be a response to long-standing demands for greater self-determination and representation within the Pakistani federal structure. By proposing constitutional conventions and interim representative status in national forums, the PPP chairman seeks to embed AJK's interests more directly into national policy-making processes. This approach could foster a more inclusive governance model, potentially mitigating regional grievances. However, the success of such reforms hinges on the willingness of all political stakeholders to engage constructively and the practical implementation of devolved powers, balancing regional aspirations with national integrity and security considerations in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the next decade.
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