Bilawal Bhutto says Pakistan should reopen Kashmir routes if it can facilitate Hormuz access

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that if the Government of Pakistan can help facilitate peace between the United States and Iran and contribute to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, it should also take steps to reopen the closed routes in Kashmir.

Addressing a public gathering in Dadyal, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal described the upcoming elections as among the most significant in the region’s history, calling them a test for the Pakistani state.

He said political leaders had failed to effectively represent the voice of the Kashmiri people and warned that when political crises are left unresolved, non-democratic forces often fill the vacuum.

He noted that both Kashmiris and Pakistanis are facing difficult circumstances and reiterated the PPP’s longstanding commitment to the people of Kashmir.

Referring to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, he said she had taught that wherever Kashmiris struggle, the party stands with them.

He expressed confidence that the issues facing the people of Azad Kashmir can be resolved through dialogue and political will.

Bilawal also addressed the ongoing protests in Azad Kashmir, saying that after receiving a letter from protest leaders, he proposed the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He stated that if such a commission were established, he would appeal to the protesters to suspend their demonstrations. However, he added that his proposal has yet to receive a response.

He argued that while some protesters may have acted unlawfully, the entire region should not be penalized for the actions of a few individuals. Those responsible should be held accountable, he said, but ordinary citizens should not suffer collective punishment.

Bilawal emphasized that the people of Kashmir should be able to conduct their businesses and daily lives without disruption. He reiterated that if Pakistan can play a role in easing international tensions, it should also work toward restoring normalcy and reopening access routes in Kashmir.

Turning to India, Bilawal recalled that he had previously referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the "Butcher of Gujarat," claiming that India subsequently placed a bounty on him. He vowed that attempts by India to consolidate its control over Kashmiri territory would be resisted.

Commenting on refugee seats and voting rights, Bilawal said such matters should be decided by constitutional institutions.

He concluded by saying that the electorate now has a choice between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), alleging that the latter does not recognize areas such as Rawalakot, Kotli, and Mirpur as part of Kashmir.