KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has advised the newly elected Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore to actively engage with the local population and resolve their issues at the grassroots level.
During the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Tuesday, Bilawal Bhutto emphasized the deep-rooted bond between PPP and the Kashmiri people, which spans over three generations. He urged the Prime Minister to visit every district and hold open public forums, reminiscent of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s approach. Bilawal stressed that the Prime Minister should go directly to the people to listen to and address their problems, and assured that the federal government would provide all necessary support for Kashmir’s development.
The PPP Chairman also announced that Chaudhry Yasin, President of PPP AJK, will lead the party’s election campaign ahead of upcoming polls scheduled within six months. He instructed party ticket holders to coordinate closely with Faisal Rathore and the AJK government, asserting, “We will not govern from behind closed doors, but will work with the people to solve their issues.”
Bilawal praised Pakistan’s recent victory over India in May, calling it historic, and highlighted Pakistan’s increasing international respect. He contrasted this with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s retreat from global forums, asserting that India’s efforts to sow discord between Pakistan and Kashmir will fail. “Nothing can weaken the brotherly bond between the people of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan,” he said.
Recalling the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal mentioned her historic commitment to Kashmir, citing her wait outside the Saudi King’s door during an OIC meeting, where she expressed her dedication to Kashmir’s cause. He expressed his desire for Kashmir to gain full membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Bilawal reaffirmed that PPP’s relationship with the Kashmiri people remains strong across three generations and pledged that the party will continue its efforts for their cause. “In six months, we will return to the Kashmiri people, seek their mandate, and form a government,” he concluded.
