Climate Change:
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari aims to become Pakistan’s youngest prime minister, emphasizing youth appeal and ambitious plans for climate change, following his mother Benazir’s legacy.
New Ideas:
As the February 8 elections approach, 35-year-old Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, scion of a prominent political family, calls for new ideas.
He emphasizes the youth’s role, stating decisions made now will impact them. Bhutto Zardari, 30 years old educated from Oxford contrasts with older political rivals.
With two-thirds of Pakistan under 30, Bhutto Zardari advocates for allowing the youth to make crucial decisions. The former foreign minister seeks to address political and economic instability.
As the youngest candidate, he challenges the average age of previous prime ministers, presenting himself as a fresh leader for Pakistan.
New Challenges:
The winner of the upcoming election faces the challenge of reviving Pakistan’s $350-billion economy, combating historic inflation, and stabilizing the rupee.
With a $3-billion IMF loan, Pakistan avoided sovereign debt default, but fiscal constraints persist.
Bhutto Zardari vows to address economic issues, promising free electricity and enhanced social safety programs despite financial limitations.
Proposing a radical restructuring of Pakistan’s development model, he prioritizes tackling climate change, pledging over $10 billion for the cause.
In a unique promise for Pakistan, Bhutto Zardari aims to allocate funds to fight climate change, particularly after devastating floods in 2022.
As a member of a powerful political dynasty, he campaigns extensively, tracing the footsteps of his late mother and grandfather.
If successful, Bhutto Zardari could become the youngest leader, potentially surpassing his mother’s age upon entering office in 1988.
Alternative Choice:
PPP lost ground to PML-N and PTI in the political battleground, with a decade-long rivalry. Bhutto Zardari positions himself as an alternative.
Appealing to Khan’s supporters, he seeks votes while Khan is in jail. In past elections, PPP secured second place.
Bhutto Zardari rejects alliances with Sharif or Khan, preferring an independent government. He notes the influx of independent candidates in 2024.
Despite the openness of the approaching election, analysts foresee challenges for Bhutto Zardari, citing PPP’s struggle to build political strength.
Dark Horse:
Michael Kugelman, from the Wilson Center, sees Bilawal as a potential dark horse candidate due to military favor and past foreign minister role.
However, Kugelman doubts Bilawal’s readiness for the prime minister role, predicting a coalition government. More experienced leaders, like Sharif, are favored by Pakistan’s army.
Military Backing:
Analysts suggest the military supports Sharif, giving him an advantage after a standoff with Khan, who accuses the military of interference.
Military denies political involvement; Bhutto Zardari questions Sharif’s reliance on factors beyond public support.
Transparency concerns persist in the 2024 elections, according to Bhutto Zardari, but he hopes to defy expectations with his party.
Bhutto Zardari entered politics in 2007 after his mother’s assassination, later inheriting her party. His father, Asif Ali Zardari, served as president.
In 2018, Bhutto Zardari won a parliamentary seat and served as foreign minister until August 2023, emerging as a prominent figure.
