PERHAPS today, in the fitness of things, it wouldn’t be inappropriate to state, that politically speaking, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari ( BBZ) has come of age.
Bilawal of 2025 is so very different from Bilawal of 2008. The transformation in the last decade has been remarkable. The metamorphosis of change is commendable. The youthfulness is maintained, however, the poise reflects, maturity of mind, thought ; heart and soul. Like Rajiv Gandhi, he seemed to be a reluctant entrant into the foray of politics, unlike his erstwhile mother, Benazir Bhutto, who had cast her nets into the sea of politics, whilst her Illustrious Father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was alive and in office. The unfortunate walk to the gallows , driven by a sense of history and personal integrity, ZAB, bravely and courageously set the standard for the family— of not bowing to anything, except, the will of the people.
ZAB ‘ s dramatic and tragic ending, catapulted Benazir Bhutto into leadership position at a very young age of 25 years. Being intelligent, sharp and with a keen sense of history akin to ZAB’s , she quickly learnt the ropes of politics and its diabolical maneuvering. At age 35 years she was voted in as the first female prime minister of the Islamic Republic…a very first also for the entire Muslim countries. She was also the then youngest prime minister.
As is proven that history repeats itself, when Benazir fell to a coward assassin’s bullet, Bilawal Bhutto assumed out of compulsions of circumstances the Party leadership under the principal guidance of his father, Asif Ali Zardari…again a stalwart player of the political chess Board—- he has checkmated challenging situations with his disarming smile, charm and political maturity and sagacity. President Zardari never abandons the path of negotiation or of shutting down communication links….that’s the magic of his personna. It takes courage and political foresight to spearhead the annulment of Article 58-2b , which General Zia had instituted to puncture the Democratic structure of the Constitution….he surrendered that right back to the Parliament and restored ZAB ‘s Constitution.
Bilawal Bhutto of late has emerged as a voice of sanity in the political corridors. His first stint as Foreign minister in the “almost caretaker “ set up in 2022 was at best lacklustre. It was possibly a period of learning on the job. He inherits the intellect of his mother and the finnese of political match making of his father— regardless of the move being repugnant to Democratic norms, his local shuttle diplomacy during the period of no- confidence against IK’s government was highly visible. He brought the opposition together.
In the past six months or so, he has physically trimmed himself, by shedding a few extra kilograms and now sports a look so similar to the charismatic ZAB. The weight loss is equally matched by tons of improvement/ gains in his abilities as a diplomat- politician.
The prime minister made a good decision to make him lead the delegation to various important capitals of the West. The objective of conveying our narrative with conviction following the limited war with India has been a resounding success. Our military gains, through Airforce supremacy stand buttressed and fortified by the diplomatic campaign led by Bilawal Bhutto.
Bilawal Bhutto and his delegation wasn’t just received at these significant Capitals but was accorded a triumphant welcome. He articulated Pakistans narrative about the Pahalgam incident with signature Bhutto style of both confidence and conviction. At almost the same time, the evil government of Narendra Modi under the leadership of master- talker, Shashi Tahroor, had despatched a full team to counter Pakistan’s achievement in the theatre of air War and on the diplomatic front. Shashi Tahroor despite being accomplished politician- diplomat failed miserably. The indian narrative has been outrightly rejected.
In spite of India’s continued posture of hostility, Bilawal Bhutto has been holding out an Olive branch to the Indians. Speaking recently at the Institute of Strategic Studies, he again invited India to the negotiating table. He went on to say that Pakistan is ready to forge a historic, phenomenal partnership with India— to jointly combat terror, not as adversaries but as neighbours with a shared moral and civil objective. “ All it requires is for India’s leadership to step down from the high horse that is galloping its Republic towards the abyss “.he added.
Bilawal is also clear headed in conveying that if war be the only option, India has, to restore the Indus Water Treaty, then we aren’t taking a backseat..so be it. More Rafale ‘s to fall from the sky!
Bilawal Bhutto would do best if he were to keep his identity of being an independent thinker. He means well for Pakistan; age is on his side. He should be allowed more space in the formulation of foreign and related economic policy. As part of foreign policy construct, the principle and cardinal point must emerge from what John F Kennedy had said in his inaugural address: “ Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate”.
—The writer is a contributing columnist, based in Karachi.
