Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has demanded the resignation of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Election Commissioner, alleging attempts were made to undermine his party’s mandate in the region.
In an exclusive interview with SAMAA TV, Bilawal said the PPP had formally raised objections with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the conduct of elections in Gilgit-Baltistan.
“We have demanded from the prime minister that the Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan should resign,” Bilawal said, adding that the premier had assured him that the party’s concerns would be addressed.
He alleged that efforts were made to “steal” the PPP’s mandate in Gilgit-Baltistan and vowed to continue pursuing the matter.
PPP supports budget measures
Bilawal welcomed several measures announced in the federal budget, including increases in salaries, pensions, and allocations under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
He thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government's economic team for incorporating PPP proposals into the budget.
The PPP chairman also reiterated his party’s commitment to provincial autonomy, saying the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award remain central achievements that must be protected.
“We will not support any move that pushes Pakistan towards a one-unit system,” he said, warning against measures that could undermine provincial rights.
Gilgit-Baltistan government formation
Bilawal expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for inviting the PPP to form the government in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said the PML-N had agreed to support the PPP in the region and pledged to work for greater prosperity, employment opportunities, and empowerment for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Support for Azad Kashmir Demands
The PPP chairman also voiced support for protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying many of their demands align with his party’s position.
He revealed that the PPP had requested funding for a city hospital in Azad Kashmir and proposed the construction of an airport in Mirpur.
While supporting the right to protest, Bilawal urged demonstrators to remain within the framework of the law and maintain peaceful methods.
Praises Iran-US mediation efforts
Bilawal also praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts regarding the ongoing Iran-US negotiations, describing the role played by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Field Marshal as “historic.”
“The efforts of the prime minister and the field marshal for Iran-US mediation are historic,” he said.
He expressed hope that the peace initiative would succeed and said a formal agreement between Washington and Tehran would represent a major diplomatic achievement for Pakistan.
“If the US-Iran agreement is signed, it will be a great national success,” Bilawal said, adding that regional peace would help ease Pakistan’s economic challenges and improve stability across the region.
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