GILGIT: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pledged on Friday that his party would safeguard the voting rights of Gilgit-Baltistan’s (GB) residents and guarantee equitable representation as the general election in the region approaches. Addressing a public gathering in Gilgit city, he emphasized PPP’s commitment to the people of GB.
Reflecting on his previous election campaign in GB, Bilawal noted that he had spent an entire month visiting almost every division, district, and tehsil to present the party’s manifesto. He highlighted that PPP had secured the highest number of votes and seats in the last election cycle.
“This time, I have returned not alone but accompanied by Aseefa Bhutto Zardari,” he remarked, referring to his sister, and added that together they would strive to protect the people’s mandate. Bilawal also accused PPP candidates and leaders of facing administrative obstacles in past elections, stressing that no party aligned with the federal government should receive preferential treatment. He vowed to prevent any injustice against PPP in the region.
Turning to regional and global matters, Bilawal described the Muslim world as facing a challenging period, citing the crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. He urged the voters of GB to thoughtfully consider who should represent them amid these difficulties. “The people of GB must decide who can best advocate for them in these trying times,” he said, underscoring PPP’s longstanding connection with the region across generations.
He stressed the importance of amplifying Gilgit-Baltistan’s voice in Islamabad and on the international stage, noting that former president Asif Ali Zardari was well-positioned to do so.
On national defense, Bilawal stated that Pakistan’s security is assured by its nuclear deterrence, which he called a “gift” to the nation. He reiterated comments attributed to former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, acknowledging his role in founding Pakistan’s nuclear program. Additionally, Bilawal credited former prime minister Benazir Bhutto with contributing to the development of missile technology essential for nuclear deterrence.
Discussing energy cooperation, he highlighted the Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline project as a significant initiative launched under PPP leadership. He added that decisions made during Asif Ali Zardari’s tenure had reinforced Pakistan’s sovereignty and foreign policy stance.
Bilawal also emphasized PPP’s efforts to prevent Pakistan’s territory from being used by foreign powers against other nations, framing such policies as vital to maintaining regional peace. He reaffirmed PPP’s support for peace initiatives and regional stability, describing the party as “peace-loving.”
Outlining PPP’s manifesto for GB, Bilawal identified three core principles, including securing the “right of governance” for the region’s people. He traced the party’s advocacy for this right back through three generations, beginning with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s policies and continuing with Benazir Bhutto’s political efforts.
He recalled that the 2008 PPP-led federal government granted identity and administrative recognition to GB. He also pointed out that political rights introduced under Benazir Bhutto’s leadership enabled all political parties to participate in elections.
Bilawal stressed PPP’s focus on economic policies aimed at benefiting farmers, laborers, and youth, contrasting this with other parties that, he claimed, had widened the gap between the rich and poor. “Our priority has always been the poor, because uplifting them leads to national progress,” he said, quoting Benazir Bhutto’s commitment to creating employment opportunities even if deemed controversial.
He pledged to extend PPP’s “right to employment” agenda to Gilgit-Baltistan and vowed to continue fighting for the region’s political and constitutional rights. Bilawal also pointed to PPP’s previous governance in GB as a period of progress and development, stating the party aims to revive and build upon that progress in the future.
