Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Approves Truth and Reconciliation Commission Plan

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly voted unanimously to adopt a resolution establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The proposal, backed by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and presented by PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin, calls for an independent inquiry into recent incidents of violence in Poonch district, the restoration of internet services, and investigations into alleged electoral irregularities in the Mirpur Division and constituency LA‑9 Kotli‑Nikyal.

The Assembly also urged law‑enforcement agencies to act against armed and violent elements while emphasizing that any action must be in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law. The resolution comes as the second phase of AJK elections approaches on August 2, with voting scheduled in three districts of Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies. The commission is expected to submit interim and final reports, potentially recommending humanitarian relief, compensation, and institutional reforms.