Shigar : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged the federal government to immediately wind up the ministries overseeing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), arguing that decisions related to these regions should be taken by local representatives instead of bureaucrats in Islamabad.
Addressing a large public gathering in Gulabpur, Shigar, he stated that officials sitting in the federal capital are not in a position to effectively decide matters concerning Shigar, Gwadar, or Gilgit-Baltistan.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that if these ministries continue to cite a shortage of funds and resources, their continuation becomes questionable, adding that authority should be devolved to the local population.
Referring to the PPP’s long-standing political association with Gilgit-Baltistan, he said the relationship spans three generations. He also claimed that in the previous elections, nine PPP seats were taken away, though the party still worked for public welfare despite securing only three seats.
He called for free and transparent elections, urging voters to ensure strong participation in the next electoral process. He advised citizens to safeguard Form-45 results, while stating that issues related to Form-47 would be handled through legal and political means.
The PPP chairman maintained that his party has never relied on manipulated electoral processes or selection-based politics, reiterating his demand that Gilgit-Baltistan elections should be held alongside general elections in Pakistan. He said this would help ensure equal constitutional rights for the people under the 18th Amendment framework.
During his speech, Bilawal also highlighted the legacy of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, crediting him with introducing a unanimous constitution, advancing Pakistan’s nuclear programme, and providing wheat subsidies to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Discussing economic matters, he referred to Sindh’s public-private partnership model and the Thar coal project, describing the coal reserves as highly valuable and previously underutilized, now contributing electricity to regions including Faisalabad.
On the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), he termed it a crucial financial lifeline for low-income households and rejected proposals to transfer it to provincial control, calling such suggestions an attempt to weaken the programme.
He expressed hope that increased funding would be allocated to BISP in the upcoming federal budget.
Concluding his speech, Bilawal praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, expressing optimism that continued peace initiatives would help protect civilians from conflict-related suffering.
