Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that army chief General Qamar Bajwa has expressed a desire for 'free and fair' elections in Gilgit-Baltistan as he termed it a 'welcome development'.
The PPP chairman addressed a press conference to allay the reservations in the wake of news reports on a recent meeting between the politicians from the opposition parties and the army chief last week.
Bilawal urged the political parties to carry out reforms so transparent polls could be held in Pakistan, saying the army chief also doesn't want the future elections to become 'controversial'.
The PPP chairman addressed a press conference to allay the reservations in the wake of news reports on a recent meeting between the politicians from the opposition parties and the army chief last week.
Bilawal urged the political parties to carry out reforms so transparent polls could be held in Pakistan, saying the army chief also doesn't want the future elections to become 'controversial'.
"There is no bigger threat to national security than elections that are not free and transparent," he added.
In response to a question, the PPP chairman ruled out any discussion between the army leadership and the country's political leadership on any amendments or laws.
"The reason for the army chief to engage with the political leadership of the country was to discuss the overall situation, the overall environment of that region [Gilgit-Baltistan]," said Bilawal. "Would have been better if Prime Minister Imran Khan would have been there.
The PPP chief also chided 'some irresponsible people' who were part of the meeting, for discussing sensitive matters pertaining to national security issues and foreign policy issues on national television.