Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), said Gilgit-Baltistan should have representation in Pakistan’s National Assembly [1].
This proposal seeks to integrate the region more fully into the country's legislative framework by granting it the same constitutional protections as the provinces. Such a move would fundamentally alter the political status of the territory, providing residents with a direct voice in national lawmaking.
Speaking during a PPP campaign rally in Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday, Bhutto-Zardari said the local population needs ownership rights [1]. He said the region should receive the protections afforded by the 18th Amendment, which he said would give the area equal status with the provinces [1], [3].
"I want to see Gilgit-Baltistan representation in the National Assembly and we will ensure the 18th Amendment protections for its people," Bhutto-Zardari said [1].
As part of the broader PPP election effort, Bhutto-Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto are leading eight public rallies across Gilgit-Baltistan [4]. The campaign focuses on development and political rights in a region that has historically lacked full provincial status.
Other political leaders have echoed concerns regarding the area's current state. Nawaz Sharif, former Prime Minister and PML-N leader, said he felt deep grief over the lack of infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan and noted that the people deserve development and proper representation [5].
However, the proposal has met with criticism from some nationalist groups. Sohail Abro, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), said the proposal mixes the issues of PoJK and PoGB and is a political stunt that ignores the real aspirations of the people of Sindh [5].
“"I want to see Gilgit-Baltistan representation in the National Assembly"”
The push for National Assembly representation and 18th Amendment protections represents a significant shift toward the formal constitutional integration of Gilgit-Baltistan into Pakistan. While the PPP frames this as a matter of civil rights and development, the opposition from groups like the JSFM suggests that such integration may trigger tensions regarding the territorial and political balance between different regions of the country.
