CHILAS, Diamer (June 3, 2026) – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed a massive election rally in Chilas Tehsil, Diamer district, on Wednesday, vowing to transform the region’s destiny through development, healthcare, and constitutional protections. The rally, part of the PPP’s campaign for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections on June 7, drew thousands of supporters.
A Legacy of Struggle and Service
Bilawal recalled his previous visit to Diamer during the last elections, noting that nine seats were taken from the PPP at that time. He thanked the public for their warm welcome and declared that circumstances have now shifted. “Some people pursue anti-poor politics and manifestos, but the Pakistan Peoples Party looks only toward the people,” he said. “God willing, with the strength of the people, we will demonstrate our power in Gilgit-Baltistan and elect a Jiyala Prime Minister.”
The PPP chairman emphasized the party’s three-generation bond with the region, tracing it back to Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who abolished the oppressive FCR system and empowered deprived classes. He credited Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with land ownership, employment opportunities, and economic progress, and recalled the struggle of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who faced dictatorial forces for 30 years. Bilawal highlighted President Asif Ali Zardari’s achievements, including the 18th Amendment, the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), and the foundation of CPEC, which opened Gawadar to China for economic development.
Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Water Security
Bilawal criticized the slow progress on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, stating that work began during President Zardari’s first tenure but stalled after his government was not allowed to return in 2013 due to what he called “NRO elections.” He pledged to prioritize the dam under a PPP government, warning of India’s “water terrorism” and urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to apply his “Shehbaz Speed” to the project. “If Shehbaz Sharif had worked in Lahore with speed, he should now demonstrate the same for this dam,” Bilawal said.
National Security and Foreign Policy
The PPP chairman asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear program, achieved under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and missile technology under Benazir Bhutto, have strengthened national defense. He criticized past dictatorships for allowing foreign military bases on Pakistani soil, claiming President Zardari shut them down. “No one has the right to claim to have said ‘Absolutely Not,’” Bilawal said, referencing former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s threats to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He added that the region faces a war-like environment, requiring a PPP government that can “look the world in the eye and speak confidently.”
Healthcare, Housing, and Constitutional Guarantees
Bilawal promised to replicate Sindh’s successful housing and healthcare models in Gilgit-Baltistan. He highlighted the world’s largest housing project in Sindh, where homes are designed to withstand climate change and land ownership is granted to residents. He also touted world-class medical institutions in Sindh offering free treatment for heart, liver, kidney diseases, and cancer, pledging similar facilities in Gilgit-Baltistan after June 7.
He reiterated the PPP’s commitment to securing a constitution and constitutional protection for the region, ensuring rights of governance, ownership, and employment. “First Benazir Bhutto became the chain linking the four provinces, and now she will become the chain linking all five provinces,” Bilawal said, referring to Gilgit-Baltistan’s inclusion.
Call to Action
Bilawal urged voters to elect PPP candidates in Diamer, naming Bashir Sahib, Attaullah Shah, and Muhammad Naseem as their representatives. He criticized rival parties, saying, “Only the PPP election camps in Gilgit-Baltistan are full of enthusiasm. Others appear worried. On June 7, only the Arrow will prevail.” He concluded by invoking the party’s slogan, “Pakistan Khappay,” and called on youth to continue the struggle for development and justice.
The rally marks a key moment in the PPP’s campaign as the party seeks to regain influence in Gilgit-Baltistan, promising a transformative agenda for the region’s future.
