The Bhutto dynasty in Pakistan is like a never-ending episode of a reality TV show where every season introduces a new twist, a new character, and of course, plenty of plot twists. With more ups and downs than a rollercoaster, the Bhuttos have managed to turn Pakistani politics into a full-fledged soap opera, complete with power struggles, family feuds, and enough political intrigue to make even Shakespeare raise an eyebrow. It’s like they’ve got a monopoly on drama, and the people of Pakistan can’t help but tune in, popcorn in hand, ready for the next episode of the Bhutto Chronicles.
Born in 1988, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has been active in politics for over a decade but is yet to follow the footsteps of his mother Benazir Bhutto and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and become the prime minister.
Bilawal made his electoral debut in 2018, securing a seat in the National Assembly. He subsequently spearheaded his party’s electoral campaigns in Gilgit-Baltistan in 2020 and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in 2021. In 2022, he led a significant protest march from Karachi to Islamabad against the incumbent PTI government.
Following the successful no-confidence vote by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), ousting Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2021, Bilawal was appointed as the youngest foreign minister in the newly formed cabinet under former rival Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.
During his tenure, Bilawal embarked on diplomatic missions to various countries, including Russia, Japan, and the United States, aiming to strengthen international relations. Notably, he garnered acclaim for two events related to India.
In December 2022, during a press conference at the United Nations, Bilawal referred to Modi as “the butcher of Gujarat,” criticizing his elevation to Indian Prime Minister despite allegations related to the 2002 Gujarat massacre. This statement, in response to Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar’s accusations against Pakistan, received praise domestically but sparked protests in India.
Several months later, Bilawal made history as the first Pakistani foreign minister to visit India in a decade, countering what he deemed as the Modi government’s false narrative regarding Muslims and terrorism.
Throughout his tenure, Bilawal advocated for modernizing politics, urging veteran leaders like his father, Asif Ali Zardari, and PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif to facilitate a smoother political landscape for the younger generation. Despite Zardari’s acknowledgment of Bilawal’s need for political experience, the PPP nominated him as their prime ministerial candidate on January 3.
Key Stances:
– Bilawal champions democracy as the ultimate solution to societal issues.
– He positions the PPP as a party dedicated to serving the impoverished, with plans to enhance salaries and social services.
– Bilawal stresses the importance of robust international relations in addressing domestic challenges.
– He advocates for youth empowerment in politics and denounces political vendettas.
– Bilawal emphasizes the need for an impartial establishment and judiciary.
– He pledges to establish a South Punjab province if elected.