Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: A Politician, 1st Son of Benazir Bhutto & Asif Ali Zardari
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (born 21 September 1988) is a Pakistani politician and the chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). He served as the 37th Minister of Foreign Affairs from 27 April 2022 to 10 August 2023. A key figure in Pakistani politics, Bilawal Zardari has continued the legacy of his family, which includes former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari. He has been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan since 2018 and was re-elected in the 2024 general election from NA-194 Larkana-I.
Early Life and Family Background Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was born at Lady Dufferin Hospital in Karachi, Sindh. He is the son of Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari and the grandson of former Prime Minister and President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. His maternal family includes prominent politicians, such as Murtaza Bhutto and Shahnawaz Bhutto, while his paternal family includes politicians like Azra Peechoho and Faryal Talpur. He is of Sindhi and Kurdish descent on his maternal side and Baloch descent on his paternal side.
His early education was at Karachi Grammar School and Froebel’s International School in Islamabad. Following his family’s exile in 1999, he attended the Rashid School for Boys in Dubai. Later, he pursued higher education at Oxford University’s Christ Church College, studying Modern History and Politics, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, later elevated to a Master of Arts by seniority.
Political Career
Chairmanship of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) After Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in 2007, Bilawal was appointed as the chairman of the PPP at the age of 19. His leadership began with the famous statement: “My mother always said that democracy is the best revenge.” Under his leadership, the party sought to uphold the political ideology of the Bhutto family, focusing on democratic values and social justice.
2018 General Elections and National Assembly Membership Bilawal led the PPP into the 2018 general elections, unveiling the party’s manifesto titled Bibi ka Waada Nibhaana Hai, Pakistan Bachana Hai (بی بی کا وعدہ نبھانا ہے، پاکستان بچانا ہے۔ We have to fulfill Benazir’s promise and save Pakistan). The PPP emerged as the largest party in Sindh and the third-largest in Pakistan, securing 43 seats in the National Assembly.
He contested elections from multiple constituencies, winning NA-200 Larkana with 84,426 votes but losing from NA-246 Karachi and NA-8 Malakand. He alleged electoral rigging and called for investigations, though he chose to participate in the parliament to strengthen democracy.
On 13 August 2018, Bilawal took the oath as a Member of the National Assembly. His maiden speech in parliament was widely praised, as he urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to deliver on promises such as ending corruption and solving the water crisis. He also coined the term “PM Select” for Khan, indicating concerns about electoral transparency.
Human Rights Advocacy On 5 March 2019, Bilawal was elected as the chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee for Human Rights. Under his leadership, the committee deliberated on legislation such as the ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill and amendments to the National Commission on the Status of Women Act.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari advocates for women’s empowerment, believing it is essential for Pakistan’s progress. He honors women like Fatima Jinnah, Benazir Bhutto, and Asma Jehangir for breaking barriers. On International Day of the Girl Child, he emphasized the need to empower girls. In 2019, he met women’s rights activists, assuring support for gender equality.
PPP under his leadership backed the Aurat March and opposed offenses against women’s rights. He also champions ending child marriages, pushing for 18 as the legal marriage age nationwide, highlighting its necessity to prevent child pregnancies and ensure a brighter future for girls.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly advocates for minority rights in Pakistan. In 2012, he condemned the demolition of a Hindu temple and desecration of an Ahmadi graveyard, urging people to defend Jinnah’s Pakistan. At a 2018 Christmas event, he reaffirmed PPP’s commitment to social justice and interfaith harmony. On Shahbaz Bhatti’s death anniversary, he criticized the misuse of blasphemy laws, calling for reforms to prevent their exploitation. In 2019, he visited Hindus in Ghotki after a temple attack, condemning the violence. Bilawal continues to support religious minorities, emphasizing peace, equality, and justice for all communities in Pakistan.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari sees terrorism as a battle between modernity and extremism. He criticizes the government’s failure to implement the National Action Plan and demands the removal of ministers linked to militants. He insists democracy can defeat extremism through decisive action and policy enforcement.
Foreign Minister of Pakistan (2022-2023) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was appointed as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan on 27 April 2022, making him the youngest to hold this office. During his tenure, he emphasized strong diplomatic ties with key global players, notably strengthening relations with China and Russia. His statement, “Any attack on China is an attack on Pakistan,” reflected Pakistan’s commitment to its ally.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari advocates a balanced foreign policy, refusing to let Pakistan become a “geopolitical football” between the U.S. and China. He strongly supports Kashmir’s right to self-determination. In 2022, he summoned the U.S. envoy over President Biden’s remarks on Pakistan’s nuclear security, demanding clarification and diplomatic accountability.
In 2023, he visited Moscow during Pakistan’s economic crisis to discuss trade and energy cooperation. His foreign policy approach focused on diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.
Political Activism
Support for the 18th Amendment Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been vocal against any attempt to weaken the 18th Amendment, which grants significant autonomy to provinces. He has opposed any movement toward a presidential system, arguing that it would be detrimental to democracy and federalism.
Advocacy for Freedom of Expression Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has criticized censorship in Pakistan, likening restrictions on the press to dictatorship. On World Press Freedom Day, he denounced the suppression of journalists and spoke against the misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA) 2016 to stifle dissent.
Conclusion Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remains a significant force in Pakistani politics, striving to uphold democratic values and the legacy of the Bhutto family. Whether as PPP chairman, National Assembly member, or Foreign Minister, he has consistently advocated for human rights, provincial autonomy, and diplomatic engagement. His leadership continues to shape the future of Pakistan’s political landscape.