Bilawal Bhutto Zardari set to launch political career. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
With the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) all set to launch its co-chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari into active politics, some big announcements are expected at Garhi Khuda Baksh on December 27, Benazir Bhutto’s fifth death anniversary.
President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also co-chairperson of the party, has called a meeting of PPP’s central executive committee the next day at Naudero.
“Important announcements are expected … the party chairpersons will announce the PPP’s future roadmap,” a party leader said, adding that the most important among them will be the formal launch of Bilawal into active politics.
Bilawal will be unveiling the party’s election manifesto ahead of the 2013 parliamentary polls, party sources said. They added that the outcome of the recently held by-polls in Punjab will be a focal point of discussion for the central executive committee.
The party’s dismal performance in the Punjab by-elections is likely to lead to criticism of PPP Punjab President Manzoor Wattoo.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik recently claimed that the PPP is to reveal important information regarding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. The revelations will aim to pacify loyal party workers as well as the general public, and possibly give the PPP some leverage in the upcoming elections.
There are also reports that President Zardari might opt to relinquish the office of co-chairman of the party, and hand over the party command to Bilawal. A top party leader did not confirm or deny this. “I can’t say anything ... But remember Zardari’s power lies in his party office,” he said, requesting not to be named.
President Zardari has faced criticism for holding dual offices – both of president and co-chairperson of the ruling party – simultaneously; and a case is pending in this regard in the Lahore High Court.
Gilani’s comeback
Since the PPP is confident about its power base in Sindh, it is expected to focus on Southern Punjab, and in this regard, former premier Yousaf Raza Gilani has been handed certain tasks in preparation for the 2013 polls.
Gilani, who was reportedly aggravated with the PPP’s top leadership for the apathy shown to him after his ouster as premier, was recently accosted by President Zardari. After successfully bringing Gilani back into his inner circle of close aides, the former prime minister is now attending key party meetings and is likely to be given important responsibilities in the party.
In accordance with the Constitution, President Zardari cannot participate in the party’s election campaign by addressing any public gatherings. As a result, PPP plans to use Bilawal as their “trump card”, but a more senior party member will be needed to spearhead the nationwide campaign. Gilani is a prospective candidate for this responsibility.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 26th, 2012.
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COMMENTS (32)
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we welcome him and wish him all the best
The current PPP leadership under Zardari & Co. are precisely the opposite of what Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir stood for.
Jiay Bhutto
A limited company transferring ceremony. If PPP and PML (N) win this time, then bye bye bye bye Pakistan and its future.
It be funny if BBZ joins PTI.
clearly inherits daddy's epic grin. only time will tell what else the both share.
This man would be more corrupt than the previous one or SON LIKE FATHER
PPP again? Not ever again in my lifetime at least. None of my siblings/family will forgive the 5 years of corruption, damage, loadshedding and utter negligence shown by this current government.
Like they say 'fool me once - shame on you, fool me twice - shame on me' Vote carefully this time, my Pakistani brothers and sisters.
@map: lol future PM of pakistan.
if they both again come to power den with this conclusion say goodbye to pakisan: dis nation dose not deserve better class of leaders!
@AS His case is not about dual nationality BUT quadrupole nationalities. His father took Pakistani nationality in or around 1957 (as per recorded historical records) what and how many he had before hand still hidden. The way poor nation money was/is plundered by this family n party no historical precedence could beat it. Under Benazir card helping poor program billions pocketed by them (poor became poorer) they become richer, from 1971 - 2012 whole country became poorer but they n their clans multi-billioners, let alone palaces overseas, land from few hectors millions of hectors above all Zardari tax collected each time one loads cell card. Oh Allah SWT save our land n people from the curse of these creatures. Amen
Whoever is opposing this future PM of Pakistan, why dont any of you try taking over and save this country? Easier to talk my friends
i am sure that you know who killed your mother
But what about his Dual Nationality status? Hope ECP takes a notice of it before he gets elected, which is certain if (and only if) PPP wins, to which, unfortunately, there is no doubt!
Zardari & Co. please announce Election dates. This is the only GOOD NEWS Pakistanis wants to hear.
@M Usama Kabbir: You are being sarcastic. Right?
@M Usama Kabbir: It's mindless buffoons like you who are apparently blind to the corruption and ineptness of the PPP!
This KID knows URDU ???
Before he launches his political career he should decide who he really is.............my advice is for him to clearly show that he is is own man. Difficult but necessary.
@M Usama Kabbir: I respect your opinion brother, but why do you expect a guy raised and educated in Dubai and London to understand the problems of poor people in Pakistan? His parents even did not consider the national language of this country to be worthy enough to be taught to him. Nothing would change in this country as long as you do not change your thinking. Five years of PPP have pushed us further back, what miracles do you expect from this lad?
needless to comment on his direct induction as leader of pakistan. we will contest election against you sir and we will make sure that u learn politics in opposition first
Bilawal who ?
@M Usama Kabbir: Similar to the one you got this time?
Start by telling us who killed her .
Never ever.....ppl of pakistan need to grow up. stop following blindly just bcoz of bhutto name.
is it about foundation laying ceremony of Kalabagh? any damage to public/private property be compensated by PPP on that day
Way to go Chairman Bilawal ! We stood by your mother, we will stand by you. It is only because of the Bhutto factor that poor in this country have a hope, else, the self-righteous Urban middle and Upper class have always found a way to enjoy unnecessary subsidies, mushroom industires and employed labor on cheap and degrading terms. Yes, i do not come from a rural area and very much belong to the middle class of Pakistan, but i also realize the injustices in this society. PPP all the way ! We want a secular, pluralistic, peaceful and progressive Pakistan.
@Fajr, It needs to be a holiday, otherwise we would not be able to give our attention to these important announcements.
Err, is 27th a national holiday? :P
IS Bilawal Bhutto Zardari some brand that he's being 'launched'? Well he is actually