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PPP chairman vows to fix Diamer-Bhasha Dam resettlement if party wins polls
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Energy & Infrastructure

PPP chairman vows to fix Diamer-Bhasha Dam resettlement if party wins polls

From Dawn · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari pledged to resolve resettlement issues for those affected by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam if his party wins the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
  • He criticized the current government for delays and urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to expedite the dam's construction, highlighting its national importance.
  • Bhutto-Zardari also reminded voters of the PPP's past contributions to the region, including its role in establishing Gilgit-Baltistan's current identity.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has promised to immediately address the resettlement concerns of individuals impacted by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam construction, should his party win the Gilgit-Baltistan elections on June 7. Speaking at a rally in Diamer, Bhutto-Zardari asserted that the dam project saw significant progress during the PPP's previous tenure.

I would like to promise you that after June 7, when PPP forms government in GB, we will ensure that the work is [completed] and as far as resettlement is concerned, we will address it on an immediate basis.

— Bilawal Bhutto-ZardariAddressing a rally in Diamer, promising to resolve dam resettlement issues if PPP wins the election.

He lamented that affected citizens have yet to see their resettlement issues resolved. "I would like to promise you that after June 7, when PPP forms government in GB, we will ensure that the work is [completed] and as far as resettlement is concerned, we will address it on an immediate basis," he declared. Bhutto-Zardari urged the federal government to prioritize the dam's construction, stating, "No project is more important for Pakistan at the moment than the Diamer-Bhasha Dam."

No project is more important for Pakistan at the moment than the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.

— Bilawal Bhutto-ZardariEmphasizing the national significance of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.

The PPP chairman also took a jab at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, referencing his reputation for speed. "We have heard of your ‘Shehbaz speed’ in Lahore... please show your ‘Shehbaz speed’ to the people of Diamer as well and ensure that the project is completed," Bhutto-Zardari quipped. He reminded the audience of the PPP's historical contributions, noting that his father, former President Asif Ali Zardari, was instrumental in giving Gilgit-Baltistan its current designation, previously known as the Northern Areas.

We have heard of your ‘Shehbaz speed’ in Lahore [..] please show your ‘Shehbaz speed’ to the people of Diamer as well and ensure that the project is completed.

— Bilawal Bhutto-ZardariChallenging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to expedite the dam's construction.

Bhutto-Zardari positioned the PPP as the "sole political party which was looking out for the interest of the people of GB and had the people’s faith." He called on the residents to elect a "jiyala chief minister" and expressed optimism that the party would secure similar results in future national elections, emphasizing the need for a government that can "look the world in the eye" and truly represent the Pakistani people.

This is not only the right of the people of Diamer, but it is a necessity for Pakistan.

— Bilawal Bhutto-ZardariStating the importance of the dam for both the local population and the country.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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