Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday pledged to grant Gilgit-Baltistan powers similar to those provided under the 18th Amendment, while reaffirming his party’s commitment to protecting the region’s rights and development.
Addressing a public gathering in Skardu, he also defended the Benazir Income Support Programme and highlighted the PPP’s historic connection with the region.
Addressing supporters in Skardu, Bilawal Bhutto said Gilgit-Baltistan deserves greater constitutional and administrative powers.
He pledged that the region would be granted authorities similar to those devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment, adding that Islamabad must ensure the people of Gilgit-Baltistan receive their due rights.
The PPP chairman said the resources of Gilgit-Baltistan should be utilized for the benefit of its people.
He stated that his party’s vision of “Roti, Kapra aur Makan” would be complemented by ensuring rights of ownership and self-governance for the region.
Bilawal said Gilgit-Baltistan was officially named during a PPP government and pledged to complete what he described as the unfinished mission of former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto in the region.
He maintained that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have supported the PPP for generations and that the party remains committed to their welfare and development.
Bilawal claimed that no other politician in Pakistan has visited Gilgit-Baltistan as extensively as he has.
He said he had personally travelled to every tehsil and corner of the region during previous election campaigns, allowing him to understand the challenges faced by local communities firsthand.
Defends Benazir Income Support Programme
The PPP chairman said the politics of his party differ from those of its rivals and asserted that attempts to undermine the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) would fail.
He described the welfare initiative as one of the PPP’s most significant achievements for underprivileged segments of society.
Without directly naming political opponents, Bilawal remarked that a political guest had arrived in Gilgit, adding that the public should not view it negatively.
His comments came amid an increasingly active election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Regional situation and call for peace
Bilawal also referred to recent developments in Iran, condemning attacks that resulted in civilian casualties and the killing of senior Iranian figures.
He said international laws must be respected and called for efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
The PPP chairman noted that the current election campaign was taking place in an atmosphere of mourning due to regional events.
He expressed hope that ongoing peace efforts led by Pakistan’s leadership would succeed and contribute to regional stability.
Bilawal vowed that the mandate of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would be protected.
He said his party would not allow the public’s vote to be undermined and reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to democratic principles.
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