Bilawal Bhutto Invites PTI to Join Alliance for Transparent Elections in AJK
MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has invited Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to end its election boycott and join hands with his party to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal said he wanted all political parties that believe they have faced electoral injustice to work together for electoral reforms under a “one-point agenda” focused on transparent elections.
“I extend my hand to PTI’s workers and serious leadership. Any political party that has suffered injustice should join us so that together we can bring electoral reforms and ensure clean and transparent elections in Kashmir,” he said.
Bilawal urged PTI to abandon its boycott strategy and participate in the democratic process. “If you want to boycott, then stay at home. Instead, contest the elections and strengthen democracy,” he remarked.
The PPP chairman announced that after the elections, his party would convene a constitutional convention involving the government, opposition, refugee representatives, lawyers, and civil society to discuss governance and constitutional matters related to AJK.
He said he wanted peace, justice, and the rule of law in Kashmir, adding that decisions regarding the region should be made by the elected Legislative Assembly of Azad Kashmir. “I want the right of self-governance, where the people’s vote truly determines their future,” he said.
Bilawal also called for greater rights for Kashmiris, including property rights, employment opportunities, and priority in development projects. He highlighted the PPP’s role in expanding internet access in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur and pledged to extend connectivity to Poonch as well.
Criticizing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Bilawal claimed the party had failed to deliver meaningful development projects in Azad Kashmir despite its claims of progress elsewhere. He said the people of Kashmir would judge the government’s performance based on local development rather than projects in other provinces.
The PPP chairman demanded that all election records be made public before August 2, questioning why there should be any hesitation if the electoral process had been transparent. He also urged state institutions and the Election Commission to prioritize the national interest over political considerations.
Bilawal concluded by saying that if all political parties could unite around the single objective of ensuring transparent elections, he was prepared to work with every democratic force for reforms in Azad Kashmir.
