GILGIT: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the party will ensure protection of votes and push for constitutional and political rights for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), speaking at an election rally in the region.

Addressing supporters as part of the party’s election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto expressed gratitude to GB voters for supporting the PPP in the previous elections, saying he had personally visited all areas of the region and presented the party’s manifesto.

He alleged that results from the last election were manipulated and claimed that seats were “taken away” despite what he said were favorable Form 45 results. He urged supporters to safeguard ballots in the upcoming polls.

The PPP chairman said the region has been facing political injustice and vowed that such situations would not be allowed again.

Referring to regional and global developments, he mentioned ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon and Iran, saying the Muslim world is facing serious challenges and GB voters must decide their future leadership carefully.

Bilawal Bhutto said the PPP has a long-standing relationship with the people of Gilgit-Baltistan spanning three generations and reiterated that the party aims to strengthen the region’s representation at national and international levels.

He also praised former president Asif Ali Zardari’s role in granting administrative recognition to GB and said the party seeks to further expand constitutional rights and self-governance for the region.

Highlighting economic and development plans, he said the PPP believes in inclusive growth focused on farmers, labourers and youth, adding that development is only meaningful when benefits reach lower-income groups.

He announced plans for job creation through merit-based recruitment, public-private partnerships, improved healthcare systems and digital connectivity across all districts of GB.

More read, Bilawal Bhutto urged voters to give the PPP a strong mandate in the upcoming elections, saying it would help ensure governance reforms, economic development and protection of rights in the region.