Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari, secured victory in the by-election for NA-207 uncontested, establishing a new record for the highest number of legislators from a single family in Pakistani politics.
Aseefa’s recent election as a National Assembly (NA) member for Shaheed Benazirabad (formerly Nawabshah-I) prompted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to confirm her status as an NA lawmaker without opposition.
Notably, despite 11 candidates initially filing nomination papers for the by-poll on the seat vacated by President Zardari, the contest did not materialize.
This achievement surpasses the previous record held by the Sharif family, underscoring the prevalence of dynastic politics in Pakistan.
Currently, President Zardari, his daughter Aseefa, son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and brother-in-law Munawar Ali Talpur serve as MNAs, while sisters Faryal Talpur and Azra Pechuho hold seats in the Sindh provincial assembly.
In contrast, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s elder brother Mian Nawaz Sharif, son Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, and niece Maryam Nawaz Sharif occupy MNA positions, with Maryam serving as the chief minister of Punjab.
Thus, in terms of having the greatest number of family members elected as MNA or MPA, the Zardari family is the first, while the Sharifs stand second.