Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday emphasized the need for elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to be conducted simultaneously with the country’s general elections. He stated that this alignment would reinforce true public sovereignty.
Addressing an election rally in Shigar’s GBA-12 constituency ahead of the June 7 polls scheduled in the region, Bilawal stressed that genuine public empowerment could only be achieved if GB’s elections were held alongside Pakistan’s general elections. He reaffirmed his party’s dedication to protecting the rights of GB’s residents and ensuring transparent electoral processes.
Bilawal urged voters to protect their mandate, expressing hope that no seats would be unlawfully taken in the upcoming elections. He criticized what he termed an Islamabad-centric governance approach, accusing some political parties of attempting to control GB, Gwadar, and Karachi from the federal capital.
“Decisions regarding Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan should be made by the people themselves, not by bureaucrats in Islamabad,” he asserted. He argued that granting greater local authority would spur economic progress, adding, “If the people of Shigar are empowered, they will drive economic development.”
Regarding federal financial challenges, Bilawal suggested that ministries responsible for GB and AJK should be considered for closure first. He also highlighted PPP’s welfare initiatives, particularly the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), claiming that only his party could safeguard the scheme.
He warned against attempts by other political parties to dismantle BISP, especially proposals to devolve it to provincial governments. “Globally, such responsibilities are managed by the federal government,” he noted, cautioning that transferring BISP to provinces would effectively end the program.
Bilawal recalled promoting BISP as a successful welfare model during his tenure as foreign minister, mentioning that he encouraged Afghanistan to adopt it to assist impoverished populations.
In a significant development, he reiterated his call for free and transparent elections in GB, urging voters to protect their mandate by ensuring they receive Form-45 during polling. “Support me, and I will handle Form-47 myself,” he added, underscoring his commitment to electoral integrity.
