In what many are calling a critical development, • Bilawal urges protesters to call off sit-ins • Party ’ s AJK wing wants election schedule withdrawn as PML-N insists on elections without delay • Two deaths revealed from Rawalakot ISLAMABAD: In what appears to be a rethink of the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir ( AJK), the PPP swung into step on Sunday, with its chairman urging the Joint Awami Initiative Committee ( JAAC) to end its protests and its AJK chapter asking the Election Commission to withdraw the election schedule. The developments came as two people were killed and eight others injured in a clash between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot. Stakeholders across the nation are closely monitoring the situation.

Background and Context

The current development is the latest chapter in a longer and complex story.

Recalling that the PPP had already asked the AJK Election Commission to withdraw its “ premature election schedule ” for polls set for July 27, he said the party remained committed to a political solution and would seek the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address outstanding grievances.

Withdrawal of poll schedule Meanwhile, PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin urged the Election Commission to immediately withdraw the election schedule, stressing the need for initiating dialogue to defuse the ongoing crisis.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, criticising the timing of the election schedule, he noted its announcement just three days before the protest call was inappropriate.

Political Implications

With opinions divided in some quarters, the overall assessment remains significant.

“ Under the current circumstances, holding elections appears difficult.

Significantly, the Election Commission should withdraw the schedule and decision the consultative process forward.

Reports further indicate that rawalakot clash Two people were killed and eight others injured in a clash between protesters and law enforcement personnel near Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot during the early hours of Sunday, according to Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan.

What This Means for Americans

Beyond the immediate headlines, this development could reshape how the issue is handled.

Authorities in addition suspended mobile phone services in Rawalakot on Saturday night, while internet services, already suspended across the region, were extended for another six days until June 20.

Observers have also noted that ‘ PML-N wants polls sans delay ’ Speaking to a private TV channel, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry declared that the PML-N wanted elections in AJK to be held on time without delay.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, chaudhry said the current AJK Assembly had taken the oath on Aug 3 and noted that elections must be hosted before Aug 4.

Observers have also noted that he affirmed that July 27 was scheduled to be the polling day in the region.

As the story continues to develop, referring to the recent unrest, Chaudhry expressed regret upwards of the loss of lives in Rawalakot and urged protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations

What Comes Next

Key actors in this story have not yet issued final statements, and the situation remains fluid. Updates will be reported as they become available, with the expectation that more information will emerge soon.