Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in Skardu on Monday to formally launch his party’s election campaign for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections. The visit marks the beginning of a series of public gatherings aimed at strengthening the PPP’s position ahead of the regional polls.
Upon arrival, Bilawal received a warm welcome from senior party leaders and government officials. Among those present were PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari, Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, and several other party representatives.
PPP Intensifies Outreach Ahead of Regional Polls
According to party officials, Bilawal will address an election rally in Gulabpur, a tehsil of Shigar district, before travelling to other key areas. Additionally, he is scheduled to speak at campaign events in Chilas, Ghizer, Skardu, and Gilgit.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission Secretariat of Gilgit-Baltistan issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) permitting Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari to conduct election-related activities across the region. The approval remains valid from June 1 to June 5, 2026, under the Elections Act 2017 and the election code of conduct.
NOC Approval Clears Way for Five-Day Campaign
PPP Gilgit-Baltistan President Amjad Hussain Advocate welcomed the approval and thanked election authorities for facilitating the campaign. He also urged party workers and supporters to actively participate in welcoming the visiting leadership.
The campaign launch follows the postponement of Bilawal’s planned visit on Sunday. PPP officials stated that an administrative error by Pakistan International Airlines caused unexpected changes to the flight schedule. Consequently, Bilawal and Aseefa were unable to travel as planned, forcing the cancellation of scheduled political activities and creating difficulties for party workers and organizers.
