Bilawal attacks Sharifs, promises sweeping AJK reforms if PPP wins

bilawal-attacks-sharifs-promises-ajk-reforms-if-ppp-wins

— Bilawal  sharpened his attack on the Sharif family while unveiling a constitutional reform agenda for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), pledging greater self-rule, federal representation and electoral reforms if the PPP secures a two-thirds majority

By Irum Saleem

     PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Sharif family and declared the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections the most consequential in the region’s history, promising sweeping constitutional reforms if his party wins a two-thirds majority.

Addressing a rally in Mirpur, Bilawal said the PPP would amend the AJK Constitution to grant greater self-governance, employment rights and enhanced autonomy while preserving the region’s constitutional status and continuing to advocate the Kashmir cause internationally.

He also pledged to secure observer or provisional representation for AJK in Pakistan’s federal decision-making forums, arguing that the region should have a direct voice in Islamabad.

Criticising the existing arrangement for the 12 refugee seats, Bilawal said refugees should retain voting rights but insisted that “only Kashmir should decide for Kashmir”, promising constitutional changes to ensure fairer political representation.

The PPP chairman also renewed his call for a truth and reconciliation commission to address political disputes in the region.

General elections in AJK will begin on July 27 and conclude on Aug 10 in three phases.

Calling the suspension of internet services ahead of the polls “oppressive”, Bilawal said he had asked the AJK PPP president to approach the Election Commission over concerns that political parties were unable to campaign freely on digital platforms, and urged the federal government to restore internet access.

General elections in AJK will begin on July 27 and conclude on Aug 10 in three phases.

Leave a Reply