PPP Chairman Addresses Massive Crowd in Kotli
KOTLI, Azad Jammu and Kashmir — Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday addressed a massive election rally in Kotli, declaring the region’s bond with his party spans generations. Speaking at Sikandar Hayat Stadium, he described Kotli as “home,” emphasizing the deep-rooted loyalty between the PPP and local families.
“Today, Chaudhary Yasin’s fourth generation addressed this rally,” Bilawal said, recalling the veteran’s steadfast support during the party’s years in exile. He framed Chaudhary Yasin as a symbol of unwavering allegiance, asserting the relationship would endure for generations to come.
Party Loyalists Prioritized Over New Entrants
Bilawal highlighted the party’s candidate selection process, noting an abundance of aspirants. “I instructed leadership to prioritize our loyal workers,” he said, citing the decision for constituency LA-13 where the son of veteran worker Matloob Inqalabi received the ticket. “Matloob Inqalabi dedicated his life to the PPP. Today, his son carries that legacy,” he added.
The PPP chairman acknowledged past elections fought under challenging circumstances, when PML-N governed Kashmir and PTI held federal power. “Now, the PPP has governed Kashmir for six months, and PML-N is in the federal government. The challenges are different,” he said.
Broad Ambitions for Kotli Seats
Bilawal declared his party seeks every seat in Kotli. He accused rivals of filing a case against candidate Javed Badhanvi to intimidate PPP workers, vowing accountability for harassment. “They want to portray Kashmiris as terrorists, this is the party whose leader embraced the gallows rather than bow to dictatorship he said.
>Expressing confidence in candidates Malik Zafar for LA-8 and Chaudhary Akhlaq for LA-11, Bilawal urged Chaudhary Yasin to secure a landslide in the remaining two seats, noting he previously won both while his son was arrested.
Three Fundamental Rights for Kashmir
Bilawal outlined a manifesto centered on three principles: the right to rule, ownership, and employment. He credited Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for championing Kashmir’s right to self-determination internationally, followed by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and his own tenure as foreign minister.
“The third generation of the PPP stands ready to continue Benazir Bhutto’s mission,” he said, quoting her pledge to “spill blood where the sweat of Kashmiris has spilled.” He called for observer status for Kashmir in national institutions including the Council of Common Interests, National Finance Commission, and National Assembly.
Appeal for Truth and Reconciliation
Addressing ongoing protests in Kashmir, Bilawal proposed a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate grievances, urging both protesters and the federal government to suspend actions. “Human life is above any legislative dispute,” he stressed, calling for immediate restoration of internet services.
He criticized the federal government for failing to clarify remarks by a minister who allegedly questioned the status of Rawalakot and Mirpur. “The future of Kashmir rests only with the Kashmiri people,” he said.
Election Day Vision
Bilawal concluded with a rallying cry: “On polling day, the rain of arrows will hunt down the lion. History will remember every corner of Kashmir echoing with the slogan of the Pakistan Peoples Party.” The election is scheduled for July 27.
