CHILAS - Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed an election rally in Chilas Tehsil of Diamer district on Wednesday, vowing to complete the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and accusing opponents of pursuing anti-poor politics.
Bilawal Claims Seats Were Taken Away
Bilawal claimed that nine seats were taken away from the PPP during the previous elections. He stated that some parties are pursuing anti-poor manifestos, but the PPP looks only towards the people. With the strength of the people, he asserted, they will demonstrate their power in Gilgit-Baltistan and elect a Jiyala Prime Minister. He urged voters to stamp the arrow symbol, promising to form a government for them.
Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Water Security
Bilawal criticized that the Diamer-Bhasha Dam was not completed because in 2013, President Zardari's government was not allowed to return due to what he described as NRO elections. He said work on the dam began during President Zardari's first tenure, and had his government continued, the dam would have already been completed. He demanded that the PSDP prioritize work on the dam, citing India's water terrorism as making the dam even more important. He remarked that if Shehbaz Sharif had worked in Lahore with Shehbaz Speed, he should now demonstrate the same speed for this dam.
Constitutional Rights and Development
Bilawal emphasized that the PPP never compromises on the rights of the people. He said that two years after the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, the PPP would win elections in Pakistan and form the federal government. He noted that the PPP gave Pakistan the 1973 Constitution and would now ensure a constitution and constitutional protection for Gilgit-Baltistan, guaranteeing rights of governance, ownership, and employment.
PPP's Enthusiasm vs. Opponents' Worry
Bilawal claimed that only PPP election camps in Gilgit-Baltistan are full of enthusiasm, while others appear worried. He said candidates of the federal government are roaming around disappointed, adding, They are our friends, but they are going to lose. He asserted that some parties may have money, but their camps remain silent because the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are honorable and cannot be bought. On 7 June, only the Arrow will prevail, he concluded.
Resource Rights and Energy Projects
Bilawal stated that the Constitution says the first right over a province's resources belongs to its people, and they would make Islamabad understand this principle. He mentioned that in Tharparkar, they generated electricity from coal, and similarly in Gilgit-Baltistan they would produce electricity through public-private partnerships to meet local and national needs.
Housing and Healthcare Initiatives
Bilawal said that just as Sindh has the world's largest housing project, they would introduce a similar project in Gilgit-Baltistan. People would be made owners of the land on which homes are built, just as in Sindh. He said these houses are designed to withstand climate change. He added that throughout Sindh, world-class medical institutions have been established for heart, liver, kidney diseases, and cancer, with free medicines provided.
He urged voters to elect PPP representatives in Diamer to solve problems at every level. Bilawal said that after 7 June, development would take place in Diamer. He specifically urged support for Mousavi Sahib in Astore-2, Bashir Sahib in Diamer, Attaullah Shah in Diamer-2, and Muhammad Naseem in Diamer-3.
