Bilawal Bhutto Gilgit-Baltistan remarks drew attention on Monday as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman said politics in Pakistan has become synonymous with conflict and rivalry. Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal called for political unity and pledged continued efforts to secure constitutional rights for the region.
Bilawal paid tribute to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their sacrifices and praised the legacy of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He said the people of the region still remember Bhutto’s contributions and reiterated the PPP’s commitment to ensuring constitutional recognition and equal rights for Gilgit-Baltistan.
The PPP chairman expressed hope that one day elected representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan would sit alongside him in Pakistan’s National Assembly. He also reaffirmed his party’s promise to implement land ownership rights and said public-private partnerships could help expand farming and create economic opportunities in the region.
Bilawal thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for accepting the PPP’s electoral mandate and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan Muslim League representatives in Gilgit-Baltistan. He stressed that both government and opposition parties should work together for the welfare and development of the region.
He said creating employment opportunities and improving the local economy should remain a national priority. Bilawal added that Gilgit-Baltistan possesses immense talent and merit, which should be utilised through investment, infrastructure development and better economic planning.
Speaking about governance, Bilawal said the new provincial administration would represent both those who voted for the government and those who supported the opposition. He also announced that local government elections in Gilgit-Baltistan would be held before the onset of winter to strengthen grassroots democracy.
The Bilawal Bhutto Gilgit-Baltistan speech also addressed national security and regional issues. He praised Pakistan’s armed forces for defending the country’s borders and said Pakistan would continue to protect its national interests, including its water resources, while reaffirming his political agenda of constitutional rights, property rights and employment opportunities.
