DIAMER / GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that without the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award introduced under President Asif Ali Zardari, development projects like Metro Bus services and the Orange Line Train would not exist in any city of Pakistan.

Addressing an election rally in Diamer, Bilawal Bhutto criticized political opponents and argued that Pakistan’s federal structure and provincial development capacity were strengthened due to constitutional reforms introduced during the PPP government. He claimed that greater financial autonomy for provinces enabled large-scale infrastructure projects across the country.

He said that had the government of Asif Ali Zardari not been removed in 2013, major projects such as the Diamer-Bhasha Dam would already have been completed. He added that in the previous elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, the PPP had secured the highest number of votes, but several seats were allegedly taken away through political manipulation. He expressed confidence that the PPP would form a government in the region and also win the next general elections.

PPP’s stance on governance and development

Bilawal Bhutto highlighted the legacy of his party’s leadership, mentioning that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto raised his voice for the rights of the poor, while former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto continued that mission by focusing on public welfare and social development.

He credited President Asif Ali Zardari with launching the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which he described as a major social safety net initiative. He also claimed that the foundation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was laid during the PPP government.

Bilawal further stated that decisions and developments made in various provinces were influenced by policies introduced during Zardari’s presidency. He reiterated that the creation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s formal identity and administrative recognition was also part of those reforms.

Diamer-Bhasha Dam and federal criticism

The PPP chairman emphasized the importance of completing the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, calling it a vital national project for Pakistan’s future water and energy needs. He urged the federal government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accelerate construction under what he referred to as “Shehbaz Speed,” saying the project must be completed without delay.

He criticized past interruptions in governance and claimed that political instability had slowed down national development projects. According to him, continuity in government policies would have resulted in faster completion of key infrastructure projects.

Remarks on foreign policy and political narrative

Bilawal Bhutto also touched on foreign policy, stating that Pakistan should be able to engage with the world independently and confidently. He referred to past policies regarding foreign military bases and claimed that certain decisions had changed Pakistan’s strategic approach.

He contrasted PPP’s governance approach with that of rival political narratives, arguing that his party promotes dialogue, development, and stability rather than division.

Asifa Bhutto Zardari’s address

In a separate address in Hunza, First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari said that people should be cautious of politicians who make big promises but later make decisions behind closed doors that harm public interests.

She said that Bilawal Bhutto represents a politics of service, love, and unity rather than hatred or division. She recalled the sacrifices of the Bhutto family and stated that Bilawal continues the mission of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto by advocating for public rights and welfare.

Conclusion

The PPP leadership used the public gatherings in Gilgit-Baltistan to highlight constitutional reforms, development projects, and their political narrative ahead of future elections. While Bilawal Bhutto focused on federalism and infrastructure achievements, he also called for renewed focus on large-scale national projects such as the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.