Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has accused nine of his party’s seats in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) from the previous election as being “stolen”. He addressed a public gathering in Shigar ahead of June 7 elections and reiterated the PPP’s demand for free and fair elections.
Bilawal emphasized that meaningful representation would only be ensured when elections in GB and Pakistan are held simultaneously, stating, “You should return with Form 45 in your hands; I will handle Form 47.” He also highlighted the party’s manifesto aimed at securing rights of people in GB, including self-governance.
Recalling his visit to Shigar, Bilawal noted that three generations in the region have supported the PPP. He paid tribute to PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, crediting him for Pakistan’s unanimous constitution and nuclear power status.
Bilawal further emphasized the importance of public support, stating that if given authority, Shigar would see economic development. He criticized centralized decision-making in Islamabad, citing the Thar coal project as an example where provincial control has benefited local development.