Bilawal urges unity, vows to struggle for Gilgit-Baltistan's constitutional rights

Gilgit (Web Desk): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said the country's political landscape has become increasingly dominated by confrontation instead of cooperation, stressing that unity and collective progress should take precedence over division.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly sworn-in chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, the PPP chief commended the people of the region for their sacrifices and unwavering resilience.

He also paid homage to PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, saying the people of Gilgit-Baltistan continue to honour his historic contribution in bringing an end to Dogra rule.

Reaffirming his party's commitment, Bilawal said the PPP would continue striving to secure constitutional rights for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan while ensuring they receive due representation at the national level.

The PPP chief expressed hope that the region would soon have its elected representatives sitting in Pakistan's National Assembly and insisted that longstanding commitments regarding property rights must be implemented without delay.

He said Gilgit-Baltistan holds tremendous agricultural potential and noted that greater collaboration between the public and private sectors could help unlock new economic opportunities and strengthen livelihoods across the region.

The PPP chairman also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for recognising his party's electoral mandate and acknowledged the cooperation extended by members of the Pakistan Muslim League in Gilgit-Baltistan. He pledged that his administration would work in partnership with every political force, regardless of whether they belong to the treasury or opposition benches, with the shared objective of advancing the region's development.

Highlighting economic priorities, Bilawal said creating employment opportunities and improving living standards would remain at the forefront of his government's agenda, adding that Gilgit-Baltistan is blessed with capable and talented people.

He further announced that elections for local governments would be conducted before the arrival of winter.

Touching on national security, the PPP chairman lauded the armed forces deployed along the Gilgit-Baltistan border for their vigilance and dedication, reaffirming Pakistan's determination to safeguard its national interests.

Referring to the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal said his campaign would revolve around protecting sovereignty, securing property rights and expanding employment opportunities, while observing that the younger generation in Kashmir is showing a stronger resolve than ever to claim its rights.