AJK assembly passes resolution seeking truth commission into recent unrest

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution calling for the establishment of an independent truth commission to investigate the recent unrest, examine all deaths, injuries and property losses, and recommend relief and reforms. The resolution comes after clashes were reported between law enforcement personnel and the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) protesters in Rawalakot, with reports of multiple deaths and injuries circulating on social media. Both security forces and the JAAC claimed the loss of lives.

Announcing the development on X, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the resolution sought to "end the ongoing crisis and provide immediate relief to the people of Kashmir". "It is unfortunate that on such an important occasion the only PML-N MLA in attendance not only did not vote for the resolution but instead attempted to disrupt its passage through protests and calling quorum," he added. The AJK Assembly today passed a resolution calling for the establishment of a truth commission to end the ongoing crisis and provide immediate relief to the people of Kashmir.

1/2 🧵 pic.twitter.com/JKaBfuJePF — Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 30, 2026 The resolution was centred around the proposal to establish an "independent, impartial and suitably empowered" truth commission as an institutional mechanism for the peaceful and lasting resolution of the present crisis. Following this, the AJK government would establish the commission without delay under the applicable law. The resolution said the commission would investigate the causes and consequences of the recent unrest, including all deaths, injuries, property losses and allegations relating to violence or the use of weapons, "without any predetermined conclusion".

It added that every affected family and every relevant party would be given a fair opportunity to present their account and evidence. According to the resolution, the commission would be granted access to all relevant official records, including government documents, FIRs, videos, forensic evidence, weapons, communications and witness testimony.