PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir must have the right to determine their own future, calling for stronger democratic representation ahead of the August 2 elections.
MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the region’s future should be decided solely by its own people as campaigning intensifies before the second phase of the AJK elections.
In a video message released during the election campaign, Bilawal said the people of Azad Kashmir deserve the same democratic rights enjoyed by every Pakistani citizen. He stressed that the right to vote freely and determine political leadership without external interference remains the foundation of genuine democracy.
“The people of Kashmir should enjoy the same rights as every citizen of Pakistan,” Bilawal said, emphasizing that every vote must be respected and accurately reflected in election results. He argued that the public mandate should remain free from undue influence so that the will of the electorate prevails.
The PPP chairman also called for stronger institutional representation for Azad Kashmir in national policymaking. He said the region should have an effective voice whenever decisions are made on critical issues such as water resources, electricity and budget allocations.
According to Bilawal, meaningful participation in national institutions would help safeguard the interests of the people of Azad Kashmir while promoting more inclusive and transparent governance.
Appealing to voters ahead of polling on August 2, Bilawal urged supporters to vote for the PPP by stamping the party’s traditional arrow symbol. He described the election as an opportunity for Kashmiris to protect their democratic rights and reinforce the principle that their future should be determined by their own votes.
Political activity has intensified across Azad Kashmir as major parties compete for key seats in the second phase of the elections. Governance, development, constitutional rights and public representation have emerged as central issues during the campaign.
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