Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on the federal government to accelerate work on the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, describing the mega project as essential for Pakistan’s future water and energy security. Speaking at an election rally in Diamer ahead of the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, Bilawal stressed that the dam is not only the right of the local people but also a critical national requirement.
The PPP chairman expressed concerns over India’s actions regarding regional water resources and alleged that the Modi-led government was attempting to use water as a political weapon. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to use his well-known administrative speed to ensure the dam is completed as quickly as possible.
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a major infrastructure project with a planned generation capacity of 4,500 megawatts. The project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s economy, improve water storage capacity, irrigate nearly 1.2 million acres of agricultural land, and extend the operational life of Tarbela Dam by approximately 35 years.
Bilawal also appealed to voters in Gilgit-Baltistan to support the PPP in the upcoming elections. He claimed that the party had received the highest number of votes in the previous elections but was denied several seats. He highlighted the contributions of former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, saying their vision focused on protecting the rights of underprivileged communities.
Discussing development initiatives, Bilawal pointed to the PPP government’s healthcare achievements in Sindh, where free medicines, surgeries, and transplant services are available through an expanding network of hospitals. He promised that similar healthcare facilities would be introduced in Gilgit-Baltistan if given the opportunity.
The PPP leader also reiterated his support for extending the benefits of the 18th Amendment to Gilgit-Baltistan, arguing that a stronger and more empowered region would contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic growth and long-term prosperity.
