MUZAFFARABAD: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday pledged greater constitutional empowerment for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), proposing the abolition of the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, enhanced representation for the region in federal institutions and a consultative process to shape future constitutional reforms.
Launching his party’s campaign for the July 27 AJK elections by addressing the first of four planned public meetings in the lakeside town of Dadyal in Mirpur district, Mr Bhutto-Zardari described the polls as the most significant in the region’s history. He said the prevailing situation was a test not only for Kashmir and Pakistan but also for all political parties.
The PPP chairman outlined what he described as his party’s constitutional agenda for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), announcing that constitutional conventions would be convened in both regions after the elections to seek stakeholders’ input on future legislative reforms.
He reiterated his party’s position that, while protecting refugee seats, legislation should ensure that only the people of Jammu and Kashmir determine their political future.
PPP chairman launches party’s election campaign from Mirpur
