Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has described the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections as the most significant in the region’s history, arguing that the vote will shape not only the political future of AJK but also the direction of constitutional reforms and governance. Addressing election rallies ahead of the July 27 polls, Bilawal urged voters to support the PPP, saying the party aims to strengthen democratic institutions and expand the rights of the people of Kashmir.

Launching his party’s election campaign, Bilawal said the current political situation in AJK represented a major test for both Pakistan and Kashmir. He pledged that, if elected, the PPP would work to bridge the gap between the people of AJK and the federal government while ensuring that Kashmir’s voice is heard more effectively at national and international forums. He also reiterated that the party remains committed to protecting the Kashmir cause without compromising on greater political and constitutional rights for the region.

A central theme of Bilawal’s campaign has been constitutional reform. He announced that the PPP intends to convene constitutional conventions in both Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan after the elections, allowing political parties, legal experts and civil society representatives to propose reforms. According to Bilawal, the people of Kashmir should have the primary role in deciding the future governance structure of their region through an inclusive consultative process.

The PPP chairman also proposed abolishing the federal Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, arguing that greater administrative and legislative authority should be devolved to elected institutions in AJK. He further called for enhanced representation of Kashmiris in Pakistan’s federal institutions, saying stronger political participation would improve governance while reinforcing Pakistan’s long-standing diplomatic position on the Kashmir dispute.

The election campaign comes after weeks of political unrest in AJK, where protests and tensions have dominated public debate. Bilawal previously warned that prolonged instability could harm both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s international reputation, urging political stakeholders to resolve disputes through democratic dialogue rather than confrontation. He has repeatedly maintained that political engagement remains the best path to addressing the region’s challenges.

The PPP is contesting the election with support from its ally, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F), following an agreement announced last month to jointly fight the polls. The alliance is expected to strengthen the party’s position in several constituencies as competition intensifies among the major political parties ahead of voting day.

With campaigning entering its final phase, the July 27 election is widely viewed as one of the most closely watched contests in recent AJK history. Beyond determining the next regional government, the outcome is expected to influence discussions on constitutional reforms, governance and the future political direction of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.