GILGIT BALTISTAN: The resident of Gilgit Baltistan pointed out that the repeated slipping of the tongue of PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto shows that he is not a realistic politician, his speeches are based on hollow slogans, saying that the PPP leader could not drain the rainwater from Karachi city, how he will bring development in the mountainous terrain of Gilgit Baltistan.
The constant slip of the tongue shows that he is not even serious in his speech and attention to the public, as more action is needed than slogans.” In Gilgit, there has been a mixed public reaction from different districts of Gilgit-Baltistan to the statements and slogans made by Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in recent rallies.
Many local voters criticized his “slip of the tongue” and “empty slogans”, while some called political statements routine. According to locals, as the election campaign in GB heats up, the public’s focus is shifting from the national narrative to local issues.
Electricity, roads, tourism, and employment for the youth are the three big questions of the voters at the moment. Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Skardu, said, “A mistake is made in speaking to a leader; it is not a big deal. The big deal is when the facilities around the Skardu-Gilgat road and K2 will be built. We have heard the slogans; now we want to see the work.”
Noman Jan from Gilgit city was of the view: “Bilawal Sahib is a young leader, but GB’s problems are unique. Here, there is the problem of load shedding and local quota. Empty slogans will not bring electricity. The people will stand with the one who gives a practical plan. He added that Bilawal Bhutto should first focus the pool of Karachi and pollution of the city, then he should speak about Gilgit development.
Abid Karim from Hunza said, “Slogans are used in every election. The GB voter is now conscious. Whether the tongue slips or not, the one who talks about Hunza’s hospital and education will get the vote.” According to Nasir Din from Diamer, “There is a constant fluctuation in statements in politics. The people remember who came and what they did in the last 5 years. Slogans are temporary, performance is permanent.”
Ahead of the upcoming elections in GB, all the major parties have started their tours. Apart from PPP, PML-N, PTI, and independent candidates are also busy with public relations campaigns. Analysts say that this time, the “reputation of the candidate and grip on local issues” will decide more than the “party flag”. The Election Commission has directed all parties to follow the code of conduct and ensure transparent elections.
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