KOTLI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed confidence that his party will secure victory in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, claiming that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would suffer a defeat “that history will remember.”
Addressing a public rally in Kotli, Bilawal said the PPP was determined to form the next government in Azad Kashmir and pledged to represent the people of the region on every national and international platform if entrusted with power.
“We want to win every seat from Kotli to form the government,” Bilawal said, adding that the future of Kashmir does not lie in anyone’s pocket but rests in the hands of the Kashmiri people, who alone have the right to decide their political future.
During his speech, Bilawal criticized the ruling PML-N, alleging that some of its ministers were harming the interests of the people of Kashmir. Referring to remarks previously made by the country’s defence minister, he questioned why Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had not responded to the controversy.
Bilawal stated that as long as the minister remained a member of the federal cabinet, he would consider the statement to reflect the policy of the federal government. He argued that individuals who make statements against the people of Kashmir should not continue to hold ministerial office.
The PPP chairman also renewed his demand for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address issues in Azad Kashmir. He urged the government to restore internet services in the region and said that all stakeholders had yet to respond to his proposal for the commission.
According to Bilawal, improving the situation in Azad Kashmir requires dialogue and transparency. He called on the federal government to refrain from taking further action until the proposed commission completes its work. He added that if a truth commission could not be established, the government should present an alternative solution to resolve the ongoing issues.
Addressing protesters, Bilawal said demonstrations should not result in hardships for the local population. He described the people of Kashmir as brave and patriotic and emphasized that cooperation between political leaders and the public was essential for resolving the region’s challenges.
Commenting on the political climate, Bilawal said that if people wished to continue with the existing system, that was their democratic choice. However, he argued that many residents of Azad Kashmir were now seeking political change and expressed hope that representatives from Kashmir would work alongside him in Pakistan’s National Assembly.
The PPP chairman also claimed that his party had been governing in Azad Kashmir for the past six months and issued a warning to those he alleged were registering cases against PPP workers. He said they should not assume the party would forget such actions and added that political matters would be addressed after the elections.
Bilawal concluded his address by reiterating his confidence in the PPP’s electoral prospects, saying the party was fully prepared for the polls and would continue its campaign with the aim of forming the next government in Azad Kashmir.
The remarks come as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of the AJK elections, with major parties seeking to strengthen support across the region through public rallies and election promises.
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