The Turkish government is preparing new legislation aimed at regulating the disarmament and dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), according to a report by BBC Turkish. The draft law is expected to be submitted to parliament after the NATO summit scheduled for July 7–8, marking a significant step in the ongoing peace process between Ankara and the PKK.

The proposed legislation, consisting of 10 to 11 articles, would establish the legal framework for the PKK’s disarmament and eventual dissolution. Turkish authorities plan to seek parliamentary approval before lawmakers begin their summer recess, with implementation dependent on verification that the organization has completely laid down its arms.

Under the proposal, ordinary PKK members would be granted a one-year period to return to civilian life. Those who are determined not to have been involved in criminal activities would be eligible for reintegration but would be prohibited from participating in political activities for five years. Senior PKK leaders, however, would reportedly be excluded from the provisions of the law.

The report also indicated that Ankara has ruled out granting any formal political or official status to imprisoned PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan. Turkish authorities maintain that Ocalan will remain incarcerated on Imrali Island, although limited access for journalists and academics may be permitted.

Meanwhile, Turkish security sources have reported indications that PKK guerrillas are withdrawing from positions in the Zap, Metina, Gara, and Qandil regions. Despite these developments, officials from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) reportedly believe that the steps taken so far are insufficient and are seeking more tangible evidence of disarmament before moving forward with implementation.

If regional conditions remain stable and favorable, the legislation could be approved by parliament before the end of July.

The initiative follows renewed peace efforts that began in late 2024 when Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), unexpectedly called on Ocalan to announce the dissolution of the PKK. The move opened the door to a new round of dialogue aimed at ending a conflict that has lasted for decades.

In early 2025, Ocalan released a video message from prison calling for disarmament and an end to armed struggle. In a symbolic gesture later that year, a group of PKK guerrillas reportedly burned their weapons in the Sharbazher area of Sulaymaniyah Province.

Turkey’s parliament is currently working through a joint committee to develop a comprehensive legal framework governing the PKK’s disarmament and the reintegration of former fighters into civilian life. However, the process continues to face political, legal, and security challenges both within Turkey and across the wider region.