PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday urged voters in Gilgit-Baltistan to give his party a strong majority in upcoming elections. He said a decisive mandate was essential to protect the region’s rights and fulfill key promises. The appeal comes as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of Sunday’s polls in the mountainous region.
Addressing a public rally in Ghizer, Bilawal said the PPP needed a “heavy mandate” to advance what he described as the unfinished mission of former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. He highlighted the party’s historical role in expanding political rights and administrative recognition for Gilgit-Baltistan. He also claimed that previous PPP electoral gains had not fully translated into representation due to disputed outcomes.
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Bilawal emphasized sovereignty, land ownership and employment as the party’s central promises for the region. He said the PPP-backed legislation had helped transfer large areas of land into public ownership. He warned that future governments could reverse these measures if the PPP failed to secure a majority. The PPP leader argued that stronger representation would enable the party to push for greater constitutional and political rights.
The PPP chairman also outlined plans to expand economic opportunities for local residents. He pledged to create jobs through public and private sector initiatives while ensuring merit-based recruitment. Bilawal said artificial intelligence could be used to improve transparency in examinations and hiring processes. He further promised a housing initiative for families affected by floods and natural disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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The Ghizer rally was part of Bilawal’s broader election campaign across the region. In recent days, he has addressed gatherings in Shigar, Skardu and Diamer, focusing on constitutional rights, economic empowerment and development projects. Gilgit-Baltistan’s general elections are scheduled for Sunday after a four-month delay caused by severe winter conditions.