Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, said the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the NFC Award enabled major development projects across Pakistan. Addressing an election rally in Diamer, he claimed that without these reforms, projects such as metro bus systems and Orange Line trains would not have been possible. He also urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accelerate work on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.
Bilawal alleged that the government led by Asif Ali Zardari was removed through a conspiracy in 2013. He argued that the Diamer-Bhasha Dam would have been completed had that administration remained in office. Referring to previous elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, he claimed his party secured the highest number of votes but was deprived of nine seats. He expressed confidence that PPP would form the next government in the region and perform strongly in future general elections.
Read more: Bilawal Bhutto claims PPP victory, promises jiyala CM in GB polls
The PPP chairman also highlighted the party’s historical leadership, praising Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for advocating for ordinary citizens. He credited Asif Ali Zardari with launching the Benazir Income Support Programme and laying the foundation for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Bilawal maintained that provincial development initiatives benefited from constitutional and financial reforms introduced during the PPP government.
Calling the Diamer-Bhasha Dam a national priority, Bilawal said the project was more important than many other development schemes. He urged the federal government to complete the dam swiftly, arguing that it is essential for Pakistan’s future water and energy needs. He also said the country required a government capable of engaging confidently with the international community and defended the PPP’s foreign policy record.
Read more: Bilawal calls for extending 18th Amendment powers to Gilgit-Baltistan
Meanwhile, speaking at an election gathering in Hunza, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said some political figures make promises to voters but fail to fulfill them. She described Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as a leader focused on unity, public service, and citizens’ rights. Aseefa also thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their continued support and said Bilawal was carrying forward the mission of his mother and grandfather.