Bilawal says PPP will form govt in AJK to pursue its public welfare agenda

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has said that election 2026 will be the crucial elections in the history of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and if PPP is voted to power by the masses, party will try to focus on public welfare agenda on priority basis, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel. 

Addressing public meeting in Kotali, Bilawal said PPP tried its best to offer tickets to its diehard workers. He hoped that the people of the valley will repose their trusts on PPP candidates and their government will focus on public issues. 

Bilawal asserted that PPP will form the government in AJK and in this regard, PPP needs victory at all seats in Kotli. He he PPP is the most poplar political party in AJK as there were lines of the workers who applied for party tickets. 

Continuing his address, Bilawal said he was the only foreign minister of Pakistan who had spoken about the freedom of Kashmir while on Indian soil. He said the youth of Kashmir wanted change and were demanding reforms, adding that he would continue to raise the Kashmir issue more effectively at the international level.

Bilawal stressed that the voice of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir must be represented in national decision-making institutions. He proposed that Kashmir be granted observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and called for Kashmiri representation in the National Finance Commission (NFC). He also pledged to continue raising the concerns of Kashmiris in every forum, including the National Assembly.

He said he wanted the MNA from Kotli to stand alongside him just as the MNA from Larkana does, adding that the Pakistan People's Party would continue to ensure the people of Azad Kashmir had ownership of their resources and rights. "The mountains and rivers of Kashmir belong to the Kashmiris," he said, promising to safeguard their natural resources.

The PPP chairman claimed that his party was the only political force committed to creating employment opportunities for the people. Referring to the prevailing situation in Kashmir, Bilawal said it was deeply disturbing and that he understood the pain of the families of those who had lost their loved ones.

He maintained that human lives were more important than political considerations, saying that in response to a letter from the Action Committee, he had proposed the formation of a truth commission to investigate the issues. He said he had also suggested that protests and official action be suspended until the commission completed its inquiry, describing it as the only viable way to restore normalcy.

Bilawal argued that keeping the whole of Kashmir shut down was not a solution and said sealing off the region amounted to collectively punishing ordinary Kashmiris. He also opposed internet shutdowns in the region, saying access to communication should not be restricted.

He reiterated that all issues facing Azad Kashmir should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and urged the people to decide which political leadership they wanted to govern them. In a political swipe at his opponents, Bilawal said, "The lion will have a hunt in the mountains of Kashmir that history will remember."