ISLAMABAD, Oct 31:Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday said his party was in a strong position to form and lead the government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Speaking to reporters, Bilawal said the PPP was “in a position to form a government in Kashmir, being a majority,” reaffirming his party’s commitment to resolving the longstanding issues of Kashmir and fulfilling the aspirations of its people.
“Whatever the issues are, the PPP has a reputation for finding political solutions,” he asserted.
The PPP chairman acknowledged that the current legislative assembly, until the upcoming elections, would serve as a “test” for his party.
Bilawal said the PPP’s foundation was rooted in the Kashmir cause, adding that “three generations of PPP leaders have struggled for this cause on both national and international levels.”
He regretted that “due to non-political behaviour and mindset, a vacuum was created in AJK, which has harmed the people,” warning that such conduct could also “pose a threat to the Kashmir cause at the international level.”
Bilawal emphasized that the PPP “is the only party capable of representing Kashmir both within the country and internationally,” vowing to give a “befitting response” to any conspiracy against AJK.
“I promise the people of Kashmir that I will not disappoint you,” he said.
When asked about the party’s nominee for the prime minister’s slot, Bilawal quipped, “Don’t worry, that announcement will be made from Kashmir, not Islamabad.”
He added that the new leader of the house would be revealed when the no-confidence motion is moved against the incumbent AJK prime minister.
The PPP chairman reiterated his party’s resolve to address the issues of Kashmir, recalling that during his tenure as foreign minister, he had raised the Kashmir issue on both domestic and international platforms.
Bilawal also said that despite challenges during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s tenure, the PPP had achieved victory in the AJK elections—though that win was later “turned into a defeat.”
“Despite that setback, the PPP has continued to represent the people everywhere,” he added.
