GILGIT: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party(PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for recognizing the Pakistan Peoples Party's mandate in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying the province's political leadership should work together for the region's development.
Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate, Bilawal said representatives of the Pakistan Muslim League had supported the PPP in forming the government and pledged cooperation for the progress of Gilgit-Baltistan.
He paid tribute to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their sacrifices and said the region's residents continue to remember former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for his contributions.
Bilawal reiterated the PPP's commitment to securing constitutional rights for Gilgit-Baltistan, expressing hope that the region's elected representatives would eventually take their seats in Pakistan's National Assembly.
He also vowed to fulfill the party's promise regarding land ownership rights, saying the government would ensure residents benefit from decisions concerning their own land.
The PPP chairman said Gilgit-Baltistan has significant potential for agriculture through public-private partnerships and stressed the need to create economic opportunities that generate employment for local residents.
Calling for political cooperation, Bilawal said politics in Pakistan is often associated with conflict, but vowed that his government in Gilgit-Baltistan would represent both supporters and opponents equally.
He also announced that local government elections in Gilgit-Baltistan would be held before the onset of winter.
Earlier, Amjad Hussain Advocate was sworn in Monday as the new chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan during a ceremony attended by senior political leaders.
Syed Mehdi Shah administered the oath of office. The ceremony was attended by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Federal Minister Amir Muqam.
In his inaugural address, Amjad Hussain said the Pakistan Peoples Party emerged as the largest political party in the June 7, 2026, Gilgit-Baltistan elections, attributing the victory in part to the participation of young voters and women.
He thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for placing their trust in the PPP despite the party not leading the federal government, saying the electoral mandate carried significant responsibility.
The newly sworn-in chief minister also expressed gratitude to the PPP leadership for its confidence in him and thanked the Pakistan Muslim League-N for supporting the formation of the new provincial government.
Amjad Hussain pledged to pursue reforms across multiple sectors and said his administration would work to transform Gilgit-Baltistan into a model province.
Highlighting the region's tourism potential, he said Gilgit-Baltistan possesses unique natural and climatic advantages and stressed the need to improve both road and air connectivity to attract visitors and promote economic growth.
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He pledged to work toward meeting the expectations of the people through development initiatives and improved public services.
