In response to recent criticism from PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated on Sunday that residents of both Kashmir and Kashmore remain steadfast in defending their fundamental rights.
Bilawal’s comments precede the first phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with voting scheduled for Monday in Mirpur. The political tension follows allegations from the PPP regarding pre-poll interference after the PML-N distributed ten electric buses to Muzaffarabad and Mirpur as “gifts.”
During a public rally in Mirpur, AJK on Friday, Nawaz Sharif targeted Bilawal, suggesting that the political landscape of Kashmir should not be equated with Kashmore or the districts of Mirpur and Mirpurkhas in Sindh, where the PPP has long held power.
Bilawal responded via a social media video, addressing Nawaz directly: “Mian sahib, please don’t take offense.”
“Whether it is Kashmir or Kashmore, Mirpur or Mirpurkhas, they share more than just similar names; they share a similar temperament, a shared sense of honor, and the same courage to stand up for their rights,” Bilawal stated.
The PPP leader continued, “Whether in Kashmore or Kashmir, no one will allow the people to be politically robbed of their right to governance and ownership. The people are not prepared to bargain away their rights; they intend to make their own decisions and will not surrender their future to any other province.”
Bilawal further asserted that just as previous elections saw the rejection of the Muslim League in both Kashmir and Kashmore, a similar verdict is expected in the upcoming polls.
Regarding the imminent Mirpur elections, Bilawal expressed confidence that the outcome would favor the PPP, suggesting the local population would reject the political maneuvers of their opponents.
Bilawal also addressed the PML-N and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent announcements regarding the provision of electric buses and mobile hospitals to AJK residents prior to the election.
The PML-N reported that several e-buses arrived in Muzaffarabad on Saturday, with more reaching Mirpur today.
In a critical post, Bilawal commented, “You are promising buses, hospitals, roads, and an airport. I welcome all of these developments. However, infrastructure built with public funds is not a gift from a politician—it is a public right.”
The PPP chairman emphasized that his party has moved beyond mere promises, noting that the current administration in the region has already included thousands of new teaching positions, a cardiac hospital, road networks, IT centers, and youth employment initiatives in the AJK budget.
“I personally secured funding for the Mirpur Airport in the previous federal budget. Even the stadium where our opponents hold their rallies was constructed during the PPP’s tenure,” he noted.
Bilawal reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the people of Kashmir secure the same rights to governance, ownership, and employment as every other Pakistani citizen. He argued that once these rights are secured, the people will not need such “gifts” as they will be capable of managing their own development.
Concluding his address, Bilawal urged supporters to turn out in large numbers on polling day to vote for his party, championing progress, authority, and employment for the region.
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