Bilawal Bhutto Archives

Bilawal Bhutto alleges rigging in AJK elections

August 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party Chiamran Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged that the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections were marred by rigging, claiming the polls were neither free nor fair.

In a video message announcing a public rally in Bagh district, Bilawal said that despite what he described as electoral manipulation, the Pakistan Peoples Party secured victory in nine constituencies.

Addressing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (N), Bilawal said the party’s “countdown has begun” and vowed to continue challenging the election results.

He claimed that seats in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad had been “stolen” from the PPP and pledged to reclaim them through legal and political means. “The PPP never gives up, never retreats, and never leaves the field,” he said.

Earlier, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also alleged that the irregularities seen in Pakistan’s 2024 general elections had been repeated in the AJK polls.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Memon accused the federal and Punjab governments of colluding to influence the election outcome, describing it as a continuation of what he called the “Form 47” controversy.

Bilawal Bhutto calls Pakistan army ‘Our Red Line’

July 31, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Pakistan Army is the country’s “red line,” calling on political stakeholders to keep soldiers out of political debates and honor the sacrifices of security personnel.

In a video statement posted on X, Bilawal said soldiers deployed along the Kashmir border risk their lives to defend Pakistan and should not become the target of political rhetoric.

He described members of the armed forces as a source of national pride and paid tribute to military personnel and police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“We can never forget the sacrifices of our martyred soldiers and police personnel,” Bilawal said, adding that the nation has a responsibility to respect those serving the country and ensure justice for the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

In a separate video statement earlier, Bilawal urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to publicly hear all complaints related to alleged electoral irregularities before Aug. 2.

He called on the commission to make polling station results and election records publicly available, saying its responsibility is to safeguard voters’ mandate rather than favor any political party.

He also said the credibility of the second phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir would depend on whether complaints from the first phase are addressed fairly, reiterating his demand for free, fair and transparent elections.

Bilawal Bhutto predicts decisive victory for PPP in AJK elections

July 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

KOTLI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari predicted a decisive victory for his party in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would suffer a historic defeat.

Addressing a public rally in Kotli, Bilawal said the PPP aims to win every seat in the constituency to form the next AJK government. He said the future of Kashmir rests in the hands of its people and that voters, not political parties, would determine the region’s direction.

Bilawal also criticized the PML-N, accusing one of its federal ministers of making remarks harmful to the interests of Kashmiris. He said that until the minister was removed from the federal cabinet, he would consider the statement to reflect the government’s official policy.

The PPP chairman reiterated his demand for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address recent developments in Azad Kashmir.

He also urged the government to restore internet services and suspend further action until the proposed commission completes its work.

Bilawal said the people of Azad Kashmir are seeking change and pledged that, if elected, the PPP would raise the Kashmir issue at every available forum.

He also warned political opponents against targeting PPP workers, saying the party would respond through the democratic process after the elections.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari vows to defend Indus waters

July 6, 2026 by Newsdesk

GILGIT: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said Pakistan would defend the Indus River and would not compromise on its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.

Addressing the swearing-in ceremony of Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate, Bilawal said he was grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for recognizing the Pakistan Peoples Party’s electoral mandate in Gilgit-Baltistan. He added that the PPP would work with all political parties and ensure opposition members were included in governance.

Bilawal reiterated the party’s commitment to securing constitutional rights for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and said the federal government should ensure the region has representation at the national level.

He also pledged to create an economic environment that generates employment opportunities, promote public-private partnerships in agriculture, and fulfill the PPP’s commitment on land ownership rights.

Commenting on regional security, Bilawal accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting what he described as an “Israel model” after India’s military conflict with Pakistan.

He further alleged that India was attempting to create instability in Pakistan through Afghanistan as well as in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He did not provide evidence to support the claims.

Bilawal also referred to the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, claiming Israel had unsuccessfully sought to foment internal unrest in Iran after the fighting.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on water security, Bilawal said the country would defend the Indus River and would not compromise on the Indus Waters Treaty, adding that Pakistan would protect its water rights under all circumstances.

Bilawal says peace key to advancing Pakistan-Iran energy project

June 24, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project would be completed once regional conditions improve, stressing that peace would help reduce the economic burden on Pakistan.

Speaking in a statement, Bilawal said the conflict between the United States and Iran had increased economic pressures on Pakistan and expressed hope that lasting peace would bring relief to the country’s citizens.

Addressing the National Assembly earlier, Bilawal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was trying to steer the country through difficult circumstances with a constructive approach, but some federal ministers were creating additional challenges for the government.

He urged the prime minister to exercise greater control over his cabinet, saying certain ministers were aggravating political tensions rather than helping resolve them.

Bilawal also criticized remarks made by a federal minister regarding Kashmir, describing the comments as inflammatory and questioning why the minister remained in office.

He said statements suggesting that residents of Rawalakot were not Kashmiris had complicated efforts to present a united political stance and noted that the minister had not apologized for the remarks.

The PPP chairman said political disputes should be resolved through dialogue and proposed that Fazlur Rehman be allowed to play a role in helping address the issue.

Bilawal reiterated that regional peace and political dialogue were essential for economic stability and the successful completion of strategic projects, including the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline.

Bilawal Bhutto calls for dialogue on AJK crisis, warns against violence

June 18, 2026 by Newsdesk

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) could see its proscribed status lifted if it surrenders unconditionally and ends its protest, urging a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a National Assembly session, Bilawal expressed concern over the situation in AJK, saying shortages of essential goods and ongoing unrest were damaging Pakistan’s international image as well as the Kashmir cause.

He called for strict legal action against those resorting to violence, urging law enforcement agencies to intervene while warning protesters to distance themselves from extremist elements within their ranks.

Bilawal said the issue of migrant (refugee) representation seats had become highly sensitive but could still be resolved through dialogue and legislation rather than protests or threats.

He maintained that Kashmiris should decide their own future and reiterated that governance matters must remain within Pakistan’s constitutional framework.

He added that talks with the Action Committee had been “80 percent complete” and stressed that PPP was not opposed to negotiations, saying peaceful political engagement remained the only viable solution.

On voting rights for refugees, Bilawal said there was no objection in principle, but warned against using pressure tactics that could worsen the situation.

India cannot digest its defeat, says Bilawal Bhutto

June 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that India “cannot digest its defeat” following what he described as last year’s attack on Pakistan.

Addressing a parliamentary party meeting, Bilawal Bhutto said India launched an aggression against Pakistan last year but faced defeat. He added that India is now talking about “Operation Sindoor 2,” claiming that New Delhi intends to weaken Pakistan.

Bilawal Bhutto further stated that parliamentary debates on the budget have always taken place in challenging circumstances, but this year’s biggest challenge was related to national security.

He also said that the meeting discussed the federal budget, Gilgit-Baltistan elections, and the situation in Kashmir.

The PPP chairman noted that the initial decision was to boycott the budget session until concerns were addressed. However, he said that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi requested participation in the session and assured that the party’s reservations would be resolved immediately.

Bilawal Bhutto congratulates party workers as PPP leads in GB polls

June 8, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday congratulated party workers following the party’s strong showing in the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, according to a statement.

Bilawal Bhutto said the PPP is emerging as the largest political party in the region and expressed confidence that the party would attempt to form a government.

PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman also congratulated Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, praising the party’s performance. She said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had voted for the agenda of development, democracy, and public service.

Separately, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to release all remaining election results without delay.

Bilawal Bhutto vows electoral safeguards, constitutional rights for GB

June 5, 2026 by Newsdesk

GILGIT: Pakistan Peoples 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.

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.

Bilawal Bhutto inaugurates 11 development projects in Balochistan

May 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

QUETTA: Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday inaugurated 11 development projects in Balochistan’s health sector and reiterated his party’s commitment to providing free and quality healthcare across the country.

Addressing a ceremony in Quetta, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the Pakistan People’s Party has always pursued people-friendly politics and remained focused on serving underprivileged communities.

He said every person, at some point in life, requires medical treatment and stressed that access to free and quality healthcare is a fundamental right of every citizen.

The PPP chairman said efforts are underway to ensure basic facilities in underserved areas and improve access to healthcare services at the grassroots level.

He noted that instead of the originally planned 20 projects, 11 were inaugurated on the day, adding that remaining initiatives would be launched after Eid.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised the provincial government’s performance, saying several projects had been initiated and completed within two years, and added that he had asked the chief minister to invite him to Quetta more frequently.

He also highlighted the importance of the newly introduced air ambulance service in Balochistan, saying it would help ensure timely transfer of critical patients from remote areas.

The PPP chairman said the 150-bed trauma center in Quetta is equipped with modern facilities, including a paperless system, and will provide free and quality treatment to patients.

He added that primary healthcare systems form the foundation of any health structure and praised the operationalization of basic health units across the province.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said similar healthcare initiatives to those in Sindh will also be introduced in Balochistan, adding that inter-provincial cooperation is essential for national progress.

He also referred to past public health initiatives, including the polio vaccination campaign launched during the tenure of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

He said the government is countering negative propaganda through performance and development work, and stressed that challenges remain but collective efforts would lead to success.