Draft law aims to facilitate return of former militants as parliament moves toward long-term peace framework
ANKARA: Turkey’s ruling alliance is expected to submit a draft law to parliament on Wednesday designed to facilitate the disbandment of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) by creating a legal framework for the return and reintegration of thousands of former militants.
According to Turkish state media and senior ruling party officials, the proposed legislation outlines procedures for processing PKK members and civilians returning from hideouts in northern Iraq through the justice system while supporting their gradual reintegration into society.
Lawmakers are widely expected to approve the measure this week, marking a significant step toward ending a conflict that has claimed more than 40,000 lives since the PKK launched its insurgency in 1984. The decades-long conflict has also contributed to instability in Turkey as well as neighboring Iraq and Syria.
The bill, titled “National Solidarity and Social Integration,” has received support from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), its nationalist ally, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, and several opposition parties, despite public skepticism over whether the initiative will deliver lasting peace.
Broad political backing for peace initiative
AKP parliamentary group leader Abdullah Guler confirmed that the government would formally present the draft legislation to parliament on Wednesday. Although opinion polls indicate mixed public sentiment, political leaders have emphasized the importance of creating a legal pathway for reconciliation and national stability.
The legislation reportedly focuses on judicial procedures, rehabilitation measures and social integration for former PKK members returning to Turkey under the proposed framework.
Conflict resolution efforts regain momentum
The latest initiative follows a peace process launched in late 2024 that slowed earlier this year amid regional instability linked to the Iran conflict. Nevertheless, Turkish authorities have continued pursuing political efforts aimed at resolving the long-running insurgency.
The PKK announced its intention to disarm and dissolve after imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan called for the move. The organization remains designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.
Officials say the proposed legislation represents a major milestone in Turkey’s broader effort to reduce violence, strengthen national unity and establish a durable political solution to one of the country’s longest-running security challenges.
