Islamabad: In the meeting between Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, important national issues, including the political situation of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the upcoming electoral process and mutual political cooperation, were discussed in detail.
According to the Foreign Office, the meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, in which the two leaders discussed the political progress of the region and the continuation of the democratic process. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the formation of the newly elected government in Gilgit-Baltistan and expressed hope that the new government would play an effective role in meeting public expectations.
According to the statement, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked Ishaq Dar for the political support provided by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) during the government formation process in Gilgit-Baltistan. Both leaders termed this cooperation a positive development for political stability and the promotion of the democratic process.
The upcoming general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were also specially discussed in the meeting. The two leaders agreed that the electoral process should be completely free, fair and transparent so that the public’s trust in democratic institutions is further strengthened and the election results can truly reflect public opinion.
According to the Foreign Office, during the meeting, it was also emphasised that the continuity of the political process in accordance with constitutional and democratic traditions and cooperation between all relevant institutions are essential for political stability and national unity in the country.
According to political observers, this meeting is being described as an important part of the ongoing political contacts between the federal government and the Pakistan Peoples Party, especially at a time when preparations for general elections are underway in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and various political parties are busy formulating election strategies.
