Bilawal Says PPP Expects Full Mandate In Upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan Elections
- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari claimed PPP was deprived of nine seats in the last Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
- He called for simultaneous elections in Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
- The PPP chairman also condemned US-Israel attacks on Iran and voiced support for regional peace efforts.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed confidence that his party will secure its rightful mandate in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections, while alleging that the PPP was deprived of several seats during the previous electoral process.
لائیو: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کا گلگت بلتستان کے ضلع شگر کی تحصیل گلاب پور میں انتخابی جلسہ عام https://t.co/3ZcTAvlXAN
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 1, 2026
Addressing a large public rally in Galabpur Tehsil of Shigar District on Monday, Bilawal said the PPP had lost nine seats in the last Gilgit-Baltistan elections despite enjoying significant public support. He expressed hope that the party would receive its full share of representation in the upcoming polls.
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The PPP chairman also called for elections to be held simultaneously across Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, arguing that decisions affecting these regions should be made by their own people rather than from Islamabad.
Bilawal said the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan should have the authority to determine their future and emphasized that matters concerning Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Gwadar should be decided locally. According to him, decisions made in Islamabad often directly affect communities living in distant regions.
He argued that a stronger and more prosperous Gilgit-Baltistan would contribute to the development and stability of the entire country. He further stated that the PPP has always relied on public support and democratic participation rather than political engineering to achieve electoral success.
The PPP leader said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly those in Shigar, have maintained a longstanding relationship with his party spanning generations. He claimed that repeated efforts to weaken that bond had failed.
Criticising the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Bilawal said the ruling party could not effectively represent workers, farmers and low-income communities. He maintained that the PPP remained the political voice of ordinary citizens and the only major party with a presence across all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Bilawal highlighted the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing it as a major welfare initiative that has provided assistance to deserving women throughout the country. He accused rival political parties of attempting to reduce support for social welfare programmes that benefit vulnerable segments of society.
Paying tribute to PPP founder and former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he said Bhutto fought for the rights of ordinary Pakistanis and played a crucial role in strengthening the country’s strategic position. He added that policies introduced during Bhutto’s tenure included measures aimed at improving living standards and supporting communities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The PPP chairman also praised former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, describing her as an international symbol of Pakistan who dedicated her political career to representing marginalized communities and promoting democratic values.
Turning to international affairs, Bilawal condemned recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. He expressed hope that diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan would help reduce tensions and contribute to regional peace.
He said an end to conflict in the Middle East would help ease inflationary pressures and economic challenges faced by people across the region. Bilawal also praised Pakistan’s military leadership and said the country had demonstrated strength during its recent confrontation with India.
Highlighting development initiatives undertaken by the PPP, he pointed to the Thar coal project in Sindh as an example of economic development that has benefited local communities and created opportunities for residents in the region.
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