The Future

By Meriam Sabih | July 2020

On June 11, EU Ambassador, Androulla Kaminara, called on the young chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to discuss important issues such as Covid-19 and praised the Sindh government’s efforts in combatting the pandemic. Bhutto expressed his gratitude for initiatives taken by the EU in Sindh such as the “Sindh Union Council” and the “Community Economic Strengthening Support” (SUCCESS) Programme which tackles poverty in the province. The Sindh government headed by PPP has been praised while the federal government has been sharply criticized for its handling of Covid-19. Bilawal Bhutto joined those criticizing Prime Minister Imran Khan making mention of his “negligence” in his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and even calling on him to resign.

Bhutto, who often repeats a saying by his mother that, “Democracy is the best revenge…” has also been relentless in going after Imran Khan amidst allegations of rigging which is believed to have brought him into power, repeatedly referring to him as a “Selected Prime Minister.” When it comes to the failed policies of the past of supporting terrorists and extremists, he is bold in speaking out and especially shines in interviews with international media. Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto was known for his fiery display at the United Nations in defending Kashmir, the young Bhutto has also been vocal against Imran Khan for what he terms as “losing Kashmir.” And whereas Prime Minister Imran Khan blatantly refuses to meet with opposition leaders to work together even on important matters that require consensus and collaboration, Bilawal has gone out of his way to meet publicly with his long standing opponents of the PMLN, including Maryam Nawaz and shown that he can reach across the aisle to get work done when needed. All these traits are both positive and necessary in any good leader and are currently filling the void of a formidable opposition to Imran Khan’s PTI.

The Pakistan People’s Party is one of Pakistan’s oldest political parties. Charismatic leaders such as Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan’s first elected Prime Minister, and Benazir Bhutto, the Muslim world’s first female Prime Minister, are synonymous with it. These two leaders are held in the highest esteem and venerated as martyrs by millions even today. Their popularity has been etched into the pages of history. Still no one has yet been convicted of Benazir Bhutto’s murder. The painful execution of Zulifiqar Ali Bhutto in the quiet of the night is also not forgotten in the hearts and minds of the public. A democratic government headed by Bilawal Bhutto, though he does not enjoy the same support his mother did, in the future is a dream that could serve as some solace.

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto brought forth an unlikely leader, Asif Ali Zardari, to the forefront because Bilawal was too young to take on the burdens of leadership. In the years ahead, despite many hardships whether it be its rivalry with the establishment or attacks from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which had forced them to cancel election rallies, the People’s Party maintains a stronghold in its native province of Sindh.

Eventually the party will need to remodel itself to be led by its ideals, policies and manifesto and not have its core leadership remain within a dynastic family. Its leaders should be democratically elected within the party. There are some notable leaders in its ranks which serve as role models and are widely respected across political affiliations. One was Salman Taseer who bravely defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman who was falsely accused of blasphemy and who has since then been exonerated. He stood with her against all odds and he too paid the ultimate price with his life.

Ultimately it is the people of Pakistan who are the final judges and it is in their hands where the future of the party’s leadership lies.

Other notable names include Farhat Ullah Babar, a staunch defender of human rights, Yousaf Raza Gilani, the 18th Prime Minister of Pakistan, former diplomat and first female leader of the opposition in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman, and the outspoken Senator Raza Rabbani, one of the country’s most respected and staunchest defenders of democratic values. Hina Rabbani Khar, former foreign minister of Pakistan, is another notable member of the PPP. She proved herself to be fiercely articulate, keenly intelligent and classy - all at once. In a political party of many firsts for women, she was the first female to present Pakistan’s finance Budget. The PPP has brought forward and passed important legislation, especially when it comes to women’s and children’s rights, such as the domestic abuse bill. The Sindh Assembly often leads with progressive bills, another reason they often clash with the religious parties.

In the age of social media, we are seeing new attacks on the party. Social media has been ablaze with another recent controversy, this time not about opening Swiss bank accounts, but allegations by an American blogger who lives in Islamabad. Her aggressive tweets against the women of the PPP were found distasteful. Her allegations of abuse should be investigated, but what most found in bad taste was why she initially started mudslinging Benazir Bhutto’s name on an issue which did not warrant it. Earlier she made bizarre claims against Bakhtawar Bhutto and other activists.

As the party finds new ways to widen its scope in other provinces, attend to new challenges, defend itself, and make space for new leadership beyond those in the direct family, the relationship between the PPP and the public will have to be strengthened and its relationship with the military will also have to be mended without compromising on principles. Ultimately it is the people of Pakistan who are the final judges and it is in their hands where the future of the party’s leadership lies. Will the public accept a more polished and mature Bilawal? Will new leadership emerge after him that will lead with Benazir Bhutto’s ideals? For now a vocal Bilawal Bhutto carries the idealism of his mother and grandfather and his voice of opposition is very necessary.