Shazia Marri clarifies viral clip of exchange with Bilawal, says incident 'cannot be viewed in isolation'

A day after a clip showing perceived brusqueness by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari towards party MNA Shazia Marri went viral on social media, PPP spokesperson herself on Friday termed it a one-off interaction that could not be viewed in isolation.

The PPP chairman had addressed a press conference after the party’s parliamentary meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Thursday. Although the session lasted nearly half an hour, the brief exchange — lasting only a few seconds — drew significant attention online.

The exchange took place during the press conference when a journalist asked Bilawal about comments attributed to federal ministers suggesting that education, health and other subjects, particularly the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), be returned to the Centre under a proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment.

Several subjects, including education and health, were devolved to the provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment in 2010.

In response, Bilawal said he was not aware which federal minister the journalist was referring to. At this point, members of the press attempted to clarify, with one mentioning a state minister and another naming Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah. However, Shazia intervened to clarify that it was the Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kesoo Mal Kheal Das.

Following her clarification, Bilawal responded: “I am not asking you.” Marri began to apologise, but Bilawal interrupted her and said, “Thank you. Thank you.”

As the clip circulated widely on social media, several users criticised Bilawal’s demeanour, while others said Shazia appeared visibly embarrassed and uncomfortable during the interaction.

She addressed the controversy in a post on X today, defending the party chairman’s position.

“One interaction that made its way on social media, between people who have worked closely together for many years, cannot be viewed in isolation,” she said.

She added that the PPP had always prioritised the collective good of the people and that nothing should detract from their shared mission of public service.