Bilawal Bhutto Vows PPP Victory in AJK, Calls for End to Protests

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed confidence that his party will form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the people of the region have a longstanding bond with his family. Addressing a public rally in Kotli, Bilawal said he always feels at home when visiting the city and described the people of Kotli as part of his extended family. He added that political parties face challenges during elections but said the PPP had decided to award tickets to loyal and committed party workers.

Bilawal announced that he would nominate the son of the late political figure Matloob Inqalabi as the party’s candidate for LA-13, saying he wanted to see him represent the constituency in the AJK Assembly. He also pledged that, if given the opportunity by the people, he would raise the Kashmir issue at every available national and international forum.

The PPP chairman criticized the registration of FIRs against party workers, saying such actions could not intimidate the party. He warned that those responsible would be held accountable after the elections. Bilawal also called for ongoing protests to be suspended until the Truth Commission completes its work and urged the federal government to refrain from taking further action until the facts are established. He said the protests were harming ordinary Kashmiris rather than the state and appealed for a peaceful resolution to the situation.