SKARDU: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday committed to granting greater autonomy to Gilgit-Baltistan by advocating for the transfer of authority from the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan to the region’s elected assembly.
Speaking at an election rally in Shigar ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, Bilawal emphasized the PPP’s goal to strengthen local institutions and ensure governance decisions are made within the region rather than being centralized in Islamabad.
He highlighted the need for further constitutional reforms, mentioning a proposed “28th Amendment” aimed at securing enhanced rights for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Bilawal also assured the protection of Shigar’s mineral resources, stressing the party’s commitment to ensuring that local communities benefit from the area’s natural wealth.
In a broader regional context, Bilawal acknowledged Pakistan’s military leadership for its significant role during the recent Iran-US crisis, underscoring the country’s strategic importance.
The PPP chairman criticized rival political parties for allegedly preferring to keep decision-making powers concentrated in Islamabad and accused them of depriving the PPP of nine seats in the previous Gilgit-Baltistan elections. He reiterated the PPP’s stance on devolving power to the local level and highlighted the party’s historical contributions to the region.
Bilawal urged voters to back PPP candidate Imran Nadeem Shigri in the upcoming elections, expressing confidence in the party’s success in the constituency. The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections are scheduled for June 9, with major political parties actively campaigning across the mountainous region.
