Bilawal for swift completion of Diamer-Bhasha Dam, seeks PPP mandate in GB elections

DIAMER: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday urged the federal government to expedite the completion of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, describing the mega project as both a fundamental right of the people of Diamer and a national necessity for Pakistan.

Addressing an election rally ahead of the June 7 Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Bilawal stressed that no development project was more important than the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to employ his trademark “Shehbaz speed” to ensure its early completion.

Criticising India’s alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, Bilawal accused the Narendra Modi government of using water as a political weapon and a tool of coercion against Pakistan.

The 4,500-megawatt Diamer-Bhasha Dam, estimated to cost around $15 billion, is expected to become one of the world's largest dams upon completion. The project is projected to irrigate 1.2 million acres of agricultural land and extend the operational life of Tarbela Dam by 35 years.

PPP Seeks Strong Mandate in Gilgit-Baltistan

Bilawal urged voters in Gilgit-Baltistan to elect a PPP-led government, asserting that the party continued to enjoy widespread public support across the region.

He claimed that the PPP had secured the highest number of votes in the previous GB elections but was deprived of several seats despite its electoral strength.

The PPP chairman expressed confidence that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would once again place their trust in his party and support its vision for the region’s development and empowerment.

Bhutto Legacy and Public Welfare Programmes Highlighted

During his speech, Bilawal paid tribute to former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, saying both leaders had dedicated their political careers to protecting the rights of the poor and underprivileged.

Recalling the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, he said some elements had believed her death would leave a leadership vacuum, but the PPP continued to move forward under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Bilawal credited President Zardari for launching the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable segments of society, including residents of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Promises Greater Rights, Healthcare and Development for GB

Bilawal reiterated his commitment to extending the benefits of the 18th Constitutional Amendment to Gilgit-Baltistan, arguing that a stronger and more empowered GB would contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth.

Highlighting the PPP government’s achievements in Sindh, he said the province had successfully expanded healthcare services, providing free medicines, surgeries and transplant facilities through an extensive network of public hospitals.

He pledged to introduce similar healthcare initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan if the PPP comes to power in the region.

Bilawal also referred to what he described as the PPP’s role in ending the presence of foreign military bases in Pakistan, calling it one of the party’s major achievements. In an apparent criticism of PTI founder Imran Khan, he argued that such bases had already been closed before claims of resisting foreign military presence were made.