Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari terms July 27 AJK polls ‘historic’, promises greater rights for Kashmiris

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday described the July 27 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections as a defining moment for the region, urging voters to give his party a strong mandate

MIRPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jul, 2026) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday described the July 27 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections as a defining moment for the region, urging voters to give his party a strong mandate. Addressing a large public rally in Mirpur, Bilawal said the election would shape the future of Kashmir and pledged that a two-thirds PPP majority would enable the party to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening the rights of Kashmiris, including what he described as greater self-governance, ownership of natural resources and expanded employment opportunities for young people.

Bilawal linked the PPP's election campaign to the party's political legacy, highlighting the contributions of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and former President Asif Ali Zardari. He said the party would continue advocating for a stronger constitutional and political role for AJK, including greater representation in Pakistan's national institutions, while preserving the region's distinct constitutional identity.

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He also criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing it of seeking to centralize decision-making at the expense of the powers of the AJK government.

Referring to the recent political unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the PPP chairman called for dialogue to resolve differences and proposed the establishment of an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine public grievances. He also expressed concern over internet restrictions, saying uninterrupted communication was important for ensuring a transparent electoral process, and urged the relevant authorities to facilitate conditions conducive to free and fair elections.

Calling on voters to reject divisive politics, Bilawal urged the electorate to support PPP candidates Yasir Sultan, Qasim Majeed, Sohaib Arshad and Afsar Shahid in the upcoming polls. He expressed confidence that the party would secure a strong mandate in AJK, saying the PPP would continue to work for democratic governance, public welfare and the protection of the political and economic rights of the people of Kashmir.

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