Gilgit: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed a grand election rally at the Aga Khan Polo Ground in Gilgit on Friday. This was the final rally of the 2026 election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan, with polling set for Sunday, June 7.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized his previous commitment to the region, recalling his extensive tour of the area during the last election campaign and acknowledging the challenges faced by voters. This time, he was accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, highlighting the importance of the upcoming elections in light of regional geopolitical circumstances. He urged voters to ensure fair elections by bringing Form 45 and emphasized the role of the PPP in representing Gilgit-Baltistan both nationally and internationally.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underscored the historical contributions of the PPP, attributing Pakistan's defense capabilities to Quaid e Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He highlighted the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline and CPEC as achievements of President Zardari, along with closing foreign military bases in Pakistan, contributing to national security.
The rally focused on three primary goals: securing property rights, self-rule, and employment opportunities for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated the PPP's historical efforts, including the abolition of the FCR and the provision of subsidies, and pledged to continue these efforts by granting constitutional rights and employment opportunities to the region.
He announced plans for infrastructure development, including energy generation and digital connectivity, and proposed a housing scheme and healthcare facilities modeled after initiatives in Sindh. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for unity across party lines to achieve these objectives, advocating for a PPP victory to secure ownership rights and legislative reforms. He appealed to voters to support the PPP candidates in the upcoming elections to ensure the fulfilment of these promises.