The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has been the driving force behind every major milestone in Gilgit-Baltistan's political empowerment since 1947, according to Sardar Faizan Haider Khan, a politician from NA-50 Attock Fateh Jang.
Bhutto's Transformative Reforms in 1972-1975
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited the Northern Areas in 1972, dismantling colonial governance by renaming the Resident as Commissioner and the Political Agent as Deputy Commissioner. He abolished the feudal order of Jagirdars, Meers, and Rajas, ending centuries of inherited inequality. On 3 July 1975, the Northern Areas Council Legal Framework Order was enacted, the first codified legal framework in the region's modern history. The Princely State of Hunza was dissolved and integrated into Gilgit-Baltistan. Bhutto also ensured subsidised wheat and flour reached the poorest households, restoring dignity to marginalised communities.
Benazir Bhutto's Democratic Foundations
In 1994, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto's government replaced the Northern Areas Council with the Northern Areas Legislative Council, laying the foundations of representative governance. She also travelled to the Siachen front lines during the conflict, demonstrating that Gilgit-Baltistan is an inseparable part of Pakistan's national identity.
Zardari's 2009 Empowerment Order
Under President Asif Ali Zardari's leadership, the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order was introduced in 2009. This granted a province-like structure with an elected Chief Minister and Governor, legislative authority over hydropower, minerals, tourism, health, and education, and elevated the Chief Court to a High Court. Major development projects like the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Satpara Dam, and widening of the Skardu-Gilgit Road were initiated.
Ongoing Pursuit of Constitutional Mainstreaming
Under President Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the PPP continues to advocate for full constitutional recognition and representation in Pakistan's parliamentary system. The party supports constitutional provincial status while safeguarding Pakistan's stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The nomination of a Chief Minister through democratic mandate and inclusive election campaigns reflects the Bhutto legacy of national integration through democratic participation.
According to Sardar Faizan Haider Khan, the bond between the Bhutto family and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is historical and enduring, forged through decades of reforms and democratic struggle. He concludes that the story of Gilgit-Baltistan's empowerment is inseparable from the story of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
