KARACHI – PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on voters in Gilgit-Baltistan to play an active role in ensuring a transparent electoral process. He also reaffirmed his party’s commitment to local governance, development, and greater political rights for the region.
Speaking at an election rally in Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal Bhutto encouraged supporters to participate fully in the voting process. He stressed the importance of securing Form 45 after casting votes to help maintain transparency in election results.
During his address, Bilawal Bhutto made a remark that attracted public attention. Referring to election documentation, he told supporters, “You arrange Form 45, I will take care of Form 47.” The statement was linked to Pakistan’s vote counting and result compilation system.
The PPP chairman said his party had previously missed out on electoral victories in Gilgit-Baltistan. He urged voters to ensure that PPP candidates reach the legislative assembly in the upcoming elections. He also repeated his demand for free, fair, and transparent elections across the region.
A significant part of his speech focused on the legacy of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He credited both leaders with introducing policies aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to Bilawal, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto recognized the challenges faced by people in Gilgit-Baltistan and introduced welfare measures, including subsidies on wheat and petroleum products. He said these initiatives continue to benefit local communities today. He also highlighted the PPP’s long-standing slogan, “Roti, Kapra aur Makan,” as a key principle of the party.
Discussing Benazir Bhutto’s political contributions, he described her as the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world. He said her influence continues to shape Pakistan’s political identity on the global stage.
Bilawal Bhutto also reiterated his party’s demand for greater political and administrative rights for Gilgit-Baltistan. He proposed reforms similar to the 18th Constitutional Amendment to give more powers to local institutions.
Criticizing centralized decision-making, he argued that elected representatives should control local governance and resources. He added that natural resources, including land and mountains, should primarily benefit local populations.
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As an example, he pointed to the Thar coal project in Sindh, saying that public-private partnerships can create development opportunities when local communities are actively involved in decision-making and resource management.
