CHILAS: Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the PPP would form a government in Gilgit-Baltistan through public support on June 7, urging voters to elect his party’s candidates. He also referred to the party’s historical mandate and said the PPP had a three-generation relationship with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan
Bilawal addressed a public rally in Chilas, claiming his party had received the highest number of votes in the previous elections and asserting renewed political momentum in the region.
He said the PPP was deprived of nine seats in the last election and expressed confidence that the current political situation reflected a “different level of enthusiasm and energy.” He added that the party was “looking only towards the people” and had public trust.
Paying tribute to former leaders, he said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto provided employment opportunities to the people, while Benazir Bhutto represented the voice of the poor. He also said President Asif Ali Zardari continued Benazir Bhutto’s vision through policy and governance.
Bilawal claimed that major national projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and metro systems, were linked to decisions taken during Zardari’s presidency. He also credited Zardari with initiating work on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and called for its early completion, saying it was one of the country’s most important projects.
He pledged increased funding for the Benazir Income Support Programme in the future and reiterated calls for greater autonomy and powers for Gilgit-Baltistan similar to those under the 18th Amendment.
Criticizing rival political forces, Bilawal said some parties held “anti-people thinking,” while the PPP focused on public welfare and poverty alleviation.
He also made references to political opponents, saying past decisions regarding foreign policy and defense independence were taken by earlier leaderships, without naming individuals directly.
Bilawal Bhutto accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “attacking” the Indus Waters Treaty, alleging that India was engaging in “water terrorism.”
Bilawal said India was undermining the historic water-sharing agreement between the two countries, which he described as a serious threat to regional stability.
He also said President Asif Ali Zardari had given identity and recognition to Gilgit-Baltistan, adding that no one would hand over rights “on a plate” and that people must secure their own political and constitutional rights.
Bilawal questioned whether freedom or rights had ever been gifted, pledging that his party would ensure full rights, including governance and employment opportunities, for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
More read, Bilawal says ties with Gilgit-Baltistan ‘beyond politics’ at Skardu rally
He said economic strength in the region would ultimately benefit Islamabad, and added that the PPP believed in constructive politics rather than complaints, describing the party’s slogan as “Pakistan Khappay.”
