SHIGAR: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for elections in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to be held alongside Pakistan’s general elections, arguing that such a move would strengthen democratic representation and public sovereignty.
According to Beyond Time News, Bilawal made the remarks while addressing an election rally in Shigar’s GBA-12 constituency ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections scheduled for June 7.
Bilawal Advocates Simultaneous Elections
Speaking to supporters, the PPP chairman said that holding elections in Gilgit-Baltistan at the same time as national polls would ensure greater democratic participation and empower local communities.
He argued that people in the region should have a stronger voice in determining their political future and governance structures.
Bilawal emphasized that transparent and inclusive electoral processes remain essential for strengthening democratic institutions across Pakistan.
PPP Reaffirms Support for Gilgit-Baltistan Rights
During his address, Bilawal reiterated his party’s commitment to protecting the rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said the PPP would continue advocating for constitutional, political, and economic rights for the region’s residents.
The PPP chairman also urged voters to actively participate in the upcoming elections and safeguard their mandate through the democratic process.
Furthermore, he expressed hope that the electoral process would remain fair and transparent.
Criticism of Centralized Governance
Bilawal criticized what he described as an overly centralized approach to governance.
According to him, decisions affecting Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Karachi, and Gwadar should not be controlled exclusively from Islamabad.
He argued that local communities understand their challenges and development priorities better than distant policymakers.
“I want the decisions of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to be made by you, not by a bureaucrat sitting in Islamabad,” he told supporters.
The PPP leader maintained that greater local autonomy could help accelerate economic growth and improve governance outcomes.
Calls for Greater Local Decision-Making
The former foreign minister stressed that empowering local populations would create more opportunities for development.
He cited Shigar as an example, saying communities can drive economic progress when they are given authority over local affairs.
According to Bilawal, decentralizing decision-making could improve service delivery and allow regional governments to address local needs more effectively.
Remarks on Federal Institutions
Bilawal also commented on the federal government’s financial challenges.
He suggested that if fiscal constraints continue, authorities should review the necessity of certain ministries related to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
His remarks formed part of a broader argument for increasing regional participation in governance and reducing administrative centralization.
PPP Defends Benazir Income Support Programme
A significant portion of Bilawal’s speech focused on the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), one of Pakistan’s largest social protection initiatives.
He claimed that the PPP remains committed to protecting the programme and ensuring its continuity.
Bilawal alleged that some political groups support changes that could weaken the initiative by transferring its administration to provincial governments.
According to him, social welfare programmes of this scale are generally managed by federal governments around the world.
He argued that maintaining BISP at the national level helps ensure uniform support for vulnerable communities across the country.
Read more:Bilawal Bhutto Reaches Skardu as PPP Launches Full Election Drive in Gilgit-Baltistan
Bilawal Highlights International Recognition of BISP
The PPP chairman also highlighted the programme’s international reputation.
He said he frequently cited BISP as a successful social welfare model during his tenure as Pakistan’s foreign minister.
Bilawal noted that the programme has often been recognized for providing financial assistance to low-income households and helping support social protection efforts.
Demand for Transparent Elections
Returning to the subject of the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Bilawal renewed his call for free, fair, and transparent polling.
He urged voters to actively monitor the electoral process and protect the integrity of their vote.
The PPP leader stressed that credible elections are essential for public confidence in democratic institutions and for ensuring that elected representatives genuinely reflect the will of the people.
Gilgit-Baltistan Elections in Focus
The June 7 elections have attracted significant attention from political parties seeking to strengthen their presence in the strategically important region.
As campaigning intensifies, issues such as governance, development, constitutional rights, local representation, and economic opportunities continue to dominate political debate.
Observers believe the election outcome could influence future discussions regarding Gilgit-Baltistan’s political status and its relationship with the federal government.
FAQs
What did Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari propose regarding elections?
He proposed that elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir be held simultaneously with Pakistan’s general elections.
Where did Bilawal make these remarks?
He addressed an election rally in Shigar’s GBA-12 constituency ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
What was Bilawal’s main criticism of governance?
He criticized what he described as an Islamabad-centric approach and called for greater local decision-making authority.
What did Bilawal say about BISP?
He said the PPP remains committed to protecting the Benazir Income Support Programme and opposed proposals that could weaken the initiative.
When are the Gilgit-Baltistan elections scheduled?
The elections are scheduled to take place on June 7.
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