Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan, Amjad Advocate, said that the people of this region defeated the Dogra rule to gain independence. They joined Pakistan, and to this day, are waiting to be a part of it.
Chairman Bilawal said that Pakistan responded to the struggle of the people of GB by imposing the FCR system. The people of GB, till today, remember Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who abolished the FCR system, and introduced subsidy for the downtrodden masses of GB. When Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto got the opportunity, she laid the foundation for politics in GB. President Zardari gave GB administrative rights and identity. A new generation has emerged to continue the struggle of GB, he said.
Chairman PPP said that along with the interim status, GB should attain constitutional rights. He said he wants to see the day when the representatives of GB are sitting alongside him in the National Assembly, and the day is not far. He said that the people of GB have given him the mandate on three basic principles, which are the right to rule, the right to ownership and the right to employment. We shoulder the responsibility to convince the state, the federal government and political parties of Pakistan to give constitutional rights to GB. The right to ownership that the PPP has promised must be implemented by the provincial government. He said that his advice to the people after they attain the right to own their land would be to form farming collectives. Public-Private Partnership can also be incorporated, so that the profit directly reaches the people of GB. When it comes to the right to employment, PPP believes that it is the responsibility of the government of Pakistan and GB to provide employment to the youth. As part of the PPP’s manifesto, the CM has announced that employment will be provided based on merit.
Chairman PPP expressed his gratitude to the workers of PPP and people of GB. He said that he is grateful to PM Shehbaz Sharif for acknowledging the PPP’s mandate, and expressing support. He said that he wants to convey to the representatives of the PML-N that the PPP will not let them feel that it is on the treasury benches and they are on the opposition benches. He said that they will unitedly work to address the issues of the people. Chairman Bilawal also thanked the IPP for supporting PPP. He said that he wants to make a new example for politics in the region, as it has become synonymous with enmity in Pakistan. In GB, we will break this myth, and work together with other political parties. He also thanked the MWM and PTI-backed candidates for playing a role in the historic election of CM GB. For CM GB, every citizen would be treated the same regardless of their political allegiance.
Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP would want for the local body elections to take place in GB. We are aiming for these elections to take place prior to the winter season. Furthermore, the geo strategic importance of this region is evident to everyone. We would also like to salute the soldiers who are manning the toughest borders of the world in GB, Chairman Bilawal expressed. Those soldiers are protecting the lives of the people of GB and Kashmir, while facing India on the other side. The people of GB and Azad Kashmir do not only value the contribution of our soldiers, but are proud to host them.
Chairman PPP said that the clear message we want to send to India is that all Pakistanis, from the citizens of GB to those of Kashmir, are united in their struggle against their tyranny. Referring to the Modi government, he said that our armed forces and the nation have inflicted a historic defeat on them. Now, when they are unable to digest this reality, they have adopted the Israeli model. First, Israel attacked Iran, but when it produced no result, they attempted to provoke the Iranian people against their leadership to topple the regime. Israel’s conspiracy was unsuccessful, and we want to tell Modi that we know what his intentions are. We know what they are trying to do by using Afghanistan against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. We also know that they are eyeing GB and Azad Kashmir, but our people want to send the message that this conspiracy will be rendered futile. Chairman Bilawal said that we salute the people of Iran, for defeating Israel militarily, and then also making its strategy to interfere in politics unsuccessful. The people of Pakistan will also follow suit and render all interference of India unsuccessful.
Chairman Bilawal said that India wants to use the River Indus against Pakistan. However, it should know that the Sindhu will be defended by the people of GB and Azad Kashmir, to those living along the borders of Sindh and Balochistan. From the people of GB, to those of Larkana, raise the slogan of “Marsoon Marsoon, Sindhu na Desoon”. We will not compromise on the Indus Water Treaty, and will be victorious on this issue too.
Chairman PPP further said that our manifesto for the elections in Azad Kashmir will be the same, consisting of the right to rule, the right to ownership and the right to employment. He said that just like GB, the young generation of Kashmir also wants to strive for its rights. He said that certain powers are trying to take advantage of this, but will never be able to do so. The PPP is not willing to let go of its three-generation long connection with Kashmir. The status quo under which Kashmir has been governed can no longer continue. The new generation wants to bring a new mindset. Chairman PPP said that while continuing our struggle on the international level, we should ponder on whether it is possible to empower the people of GB and Kashmir while preserving the protected status. It is possible in our eyes, and GB has paved the way for this.
Chairman PPP said that he invites the people of Kashmir to use their political rights. He said that it is unfortunate that some parties have announced that they would not be taking part in the elections. They should participate, and honour the decision of the people of Kashmir. If the PPP triumphs, we would want to hold a Joint Constitutional Convention for Azad Kashmir and GB. He said that he would like to see representatives of GB and Azad Kashmir in the National Assembly and Senate, be it on the interim basis as ambassadors. Chairman PPP said that while we are not ready to compromise on the rights and representation of the muhajireen. However, we are also not willing to compromise on Kashmir’s right to rule. Azad Kashmir and GB are the ‘Kohinoor’ of Pakistan’s economy, and will not only contribute to their regions but the entire country, Chairman PPP said. He concluded by saying that now because of the PPP jiyalas and Jiyalis, he can raise the slogan, “Panchon Soobon ki Zangeer, Benazir Benazir”.
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