Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has credited former President Asif Ali Zardari with introducing reforms that, he said, made large-scale development projects possible across the country. Speaking at an election rally in Diamer, Bilawal argued that without the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, many major urban transport projects would not have been built.
He also urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accelerate work on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, describing it as one of Pakistan’s most important national infrastructure projects.
Praise for 18th Amendment and NFC Award
Addressing supporters, Bilawal said the devolution of powers to provinces through the 18th Amendment and increased provincial financial resources under the NFC Award had enabled provinces to undertake major development initiatives.
According to him, projects such as:
- Orange Line Metro Train systems,
- Metro bus networks,
- Provincial infrastructure programs,
would not have been possible without the constitutional and financial reforms introduced during the PPP-led government.
Bilawal argued that these measures strengthened provincial autonomy and provided local governments with greater capacity to address public needs.
Call for Completion of Diamer-Bhasha Dam
The PPP chairman called on the federal government to prioritize the completion of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, describing it as more important than many other development schemes.
Addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly, Bilawal said:
“Show your famous speed and complete the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.”
He emphasized that the dam is critical for Pakistan’s future water security, energy production, and economic development.
According to Bilawal, the project should receive immediate attention because of its strategic importance to the country.
Allegations Regarding the End of PPP Government in 2013
Bilawal alleged that the PPP government led by President Asif Ali Zardari was removed through a political conspiracy in 2013.
He claimed that if the PPP administration had continued, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam would already have been completed.
The PPP chairman argued that the interruption of his party’s government delayed important development projects and slowed progress in Gilgit-Baltistan and other regions.
Gilgit-Baltistan Election Campaign
Speaking about the upcoming elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal claimed that the PPP had secured the largest share of votes in the previous election but was deprived of several seats.
He alleged that nine seats had been taken away from the party and expressed confidence that voters would now elect a PPP-led government in the region.
Bilawal told supporters that they should work to ensure the election of a PPP chief minister and predicted further electoral success for his party in future national elections.
Tribute to PPP Leadership
During his speech, Bilawal paid tribute to former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and President Asif Ali Zardari.
He said:
- Zulfikar Ali Bhutto raised his voice for poor and marginalized people.
- Benazir Bhutto dedicated her political career to serving ordinary citizens.
- Asif Ali Zardari continued that mission after Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.
Bilawal described the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) as one of the PPP’s major achievements and also credited his party with laying the foundations of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Remarks on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Status
The PPP chairman also highlighted decisions taken during the PPP government’s tenure regarding Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to Bilawal, the region was previously referred to as the “Northern Areas,” and the PPP government played a key role in granting it the official identity of Gilgit-Baltistan.
He argued that the PPP contributed significantly to the political recognition and development of the region.
Comments on Foreign Policy and Military Bases
Bilawal also discussed foreign policy issues, saying that previous governments had permitted foreign military facilities in Pakistan that were used for operations against other countries.
He claimed that the PPP government took steps to close such arrangements and asserted that this decision reflected an independent foreign policy approach.
Without naming specific individuals in detail, Bilawal criticized political opponents and contrasted their statements with actions taken during PPP governments.
Asifa Bhutto Addresses Rally in Hunza
Meanwhile, Asifa Bhutto Zardari addressed a separate election gathering in Hunza, where she urged voters to carefully evaluate political promises.
She warned that some politicians make grand claims during election campaigns but fail to fulfill them afterward.
Asifa said that Bilawal Bhutto promotes a politics based on:
- Service,
- Loyalty,
- Unity,
- Public welfare,
rather than division and hatred.
Emphasis on PPP Legacy
Asifa Bhutto also paid tribute to her grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and her mother Benazir Bhutto.
She said both leaders dedicated their lives to public service and the protection of people’s rights.
According to her, Bilawal Bhutto is continuing that mission by advocating for the welfare and rights of ordinary citizens across Pakistan.
Election Campaign Continues
The speeches form part of the PPP’s ongoing campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan ahead of the upcoming elections.
With major political parties actively canvassing support across the region, issues such as development projects, constitutional reforms, governance, and representation are expected to remain central themes throughout the campaign.
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