The Verdict
The Bilawal we do not know

The Bilawal we do not know

Although politics is a hereditary business here, it is hard to gauge whether Bilawal will evolve into the archetypal leader the Pakistani awaam desires.

Taha Kerar September 28, 2010

Early on Bilawal Bhutto Zardari refuted intentions that he would enter politics, yet this young scion of Pakistan’s landed gentry has, paradoxically, been striving to establish political recognition.

Whether this entails telephone conversations with PM Gilani about the current situation in Pakistan or addressing a community of altruistic Pakistani expatriates in Dubai, Bilawal seems to be attempting to develop a political identity equivalent to that of his mother. But can he?

In her contentious memoir, Daughter of the East, Benazir Bhutto alludes to Bilawal as ‘the most celebrated and politically controversial baby in the history of Pakistan’. Although politics is a hereditary business in Pakistan, there is ample justification for the fact that Bilawal has yet to evolve as the archetypal leader the Pakistani awaam desires.

Till now, reports of a non-serious reputation precede him, making it difficult to say with confidence if he will ever obtain political support from the public who view ultimate sobriety as an indicator of triumph in the political arena.

A fledgling amid experts

There is no suitable way of grooming a politician – not in Pakistan at least. Perhaps that is why President Zardari asked his son to accompany him to a high level official meeting in the USA with Hamid Karzai and Barrack Obama in June 2009. Bilawal’s incongruous presence at this conference indicates an attempt to secure insight into the intricacies of global politics and could possibly validate why he has chosen to read Law and eschew from instantly launching his political career. If only the experts were as astute as this budding politico, the astounding debacle of the fake degrees would never have come to pass.

Bilawal, the political activist

Progressive thinking is the by-product of a good education. Or so it seems in this case of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Unlike his mother – whose ever-changing perception of the Taliban fomented numerous problems for the nation – Bilawal believes that the ‘acts of terrorism’ generated by the extremist group are a ‘blight on our society’.

Contrary to popular perception, Bilawal has been dubbed ‘very charismatic and engaging’ by an Oxford Union President. This invalidates the view that the heir to the Bhutto legacy is only interested in merry-making.

The challenges that await

Although it is far too early to rationally conclude whether Bilawal will capably redress the problems spurred on by the war on terror and rampant corruption, there is still a beacon of hope amongst PPP supporters that he will rise to the challenge and bring forth institutional reforms that will benefit the masses - a task so Herculean that it would require a surfeit of training and dedication.

Bilawal ought to brace himself for the treacheries of Pakistani politics.

WRITTEN BY:
Taha Kerar A blogger on social events and has previously worked as Assistant Editor for a media magazine. He is currently pursuing Law Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies. He tweets @TahaKehar.

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (17)

Muhammad Adnan Khan Qadri | 13 years ago | Reply A first in history of a father inheriting from his son the right to dictate a democracy, the lame democracy cursed by his father will be inherited to a 10% or less Pakistani guy and we the blind and deaf will be observing a shift of throne within family, within the chosen ones again. Do remember that we are just the PEOPLES of this country so we dont't have any right on the politics of our homeland and ofcourse we are not the chosen one.

Jassem | 13 years ago | Reply Before trying his luck to play a part in major national or global endeavours, Bilawal needs to set an example in spheres close to the hearts of Pakistan's youth. The Pakistan squad in Asian Games. Will Bilawal encourage civic acountability activists help Pakistan shine at the world arena? Can he mobilize setting up panels of experts that can submit an appraisal if the squad's member were selected on merit, how did they perform and what lessons were learnt to improve their performance since the last Asian Games in 2006? Until those representing Pakistan abroad are exposed to responsibility and accountability it will remain difficult for the nation to establish its pride in the world of sports. As a young and budding gentleman Bilawal needs to show what role can he play to help restore Pakistan's pride in the arena of international sports.

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Meher Zaidi | 13 years ago | Reply http://meer-mehernewspappar.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-floods-revealed-in-sindh-politics.html The days of dynastric politics are over. The young Bhuttos have to understand that the only major issue facing Pakistan is poverty reduction. All broths, recipes have to be geared towards the improvement of the social sectors and giving the dignity back to the poor masses. No populist rhetoric will work now. Only land reforms, taxing the big land owners and elite and educating the masses will should be the immediate agenda. Only the increasing of the middle class with their true representation in party with party reforms is the way out. The young Bhuttos should compete with average middle class workers to prove their mettle. They should give up the protected Million dollar Cars culture and mix up with the Sindhi farmer and worker to win their hearts. He should engage with average Pakistani for acceptance.

Ammar | 13 years ago | Reply how cute. such a waste of space.

Taha Kehar | 13 years ago | Reply @Why am I not surprised - I never said that my deliberation would make or break his political career. As for your analogy of a bad harvest, it's very unoriginal. I'm afraid you haven't understood the intentions behind this piece at all. @IZ - This is neither a political manifesto nor a representational review of Bilawal's political persuasions. What is being considered is his suitability for politics, not a scrutiny of his game-plan for politics - which neither of us are perfectly familiar with. The title blends in with the contents because it serves to discount the infamous ''playboy image''. And, it is apt to note, that playing Devil's advocate here has proved extremely beneficial. Thank you for your insight. :D

IZ | 13 years ago | Reply And after reading this article, we still don't know Bilawal. This is really a poor excuse for a blog - I was hoping we would have some insight into his political views and ideas and instead we get this wishy-washy speculation. He condemned the Taliban - wow!

Why am I not surprised! | 13 years ago | Reply @Taha Kehar: "@Usman: It isn’t a ”blog for Bilawal”, it’s a blog for the reader. My point is to deliberate whether Bilawal is suited for a political career. And as for that byte of server space gone wasted, my condolences." Yeah, right! And your deliberation will make it or break the political career of beta bilalwal. What is there to deliberate? Every one know what sort of harvest to expect from a bad seed. I humbly suggest you find a meaningful topic to talk about, like an only an honest nation deserves honest leaders.

Taha Kehar | 13 years ago | Reply Ghausia - assuming presidency and launching a political career are two different things.

parvez | 13 years ago | Reply Bilawal is still sowing his wild oats, he has a long time to go. When one has high aspirations it is good to remember the "That it is not who you are but what you are, that matters". Sadly all our leaders forget this. Bilawal is the product of a Bhutto and a Zardari - anybody taking bets ??

Ghausia | 13 years ago | Reply Um. Not to be rude but there are better topics to blog about. I'm just saying, Bilawal's presidency is a looong way off to be speculating on it. Bet my kids grow up with him as president. God help us when he decides to procreate.

rana | 13 years ago | Reply We know all that we need to. Bilawal is Zardari's son. He has probably learned how to be corrupt when he was a toddler. I don't care that he parties or that he abuses his legacy. I think Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has lost our trust because of his last name. Sorry.

Mariam | 13 years ago | Reply Bilawal seems like a spoiled rich kid and nothing else. He knows that whatever he does and however he lives, people of Pakistan will still place the crown on his head.

Taha Kehar | 13 years ago | Reply @Usman: It isn't a ''blog for Bilawal'', it's a blog for the reader. My point is to deliberate whether Bilawal is suited for a political career. And as for that byte of server space gone wasted, my condolences.

Hina A | 13 years ago | Reply i dont expect anythin less from ppl who treat their nation like its their family business. "In her contentious memoir, Daughter of the East, Benazir Bhutto alludes to Bilawal as ‘the most celebrated and politically controversial baby in the history of Pakistan’." well said benazir..we dont expect anythin better frm the so called leaders. we owe our lives,our future, our kids and our future not to mention OUR COUNTRY to you,your kids,grandkids and to every new bhutto born to lead us nowhere!simply cuz your "bhuttos". i pray for the day when you and ppl like you disappear so we can finally get out of this family business you all started=)

Usman | 13 years ago | Reply And your point is? I don't understand why even a byte of server space was wasted on a blog for Bilawal.

Ahmad Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Its a sad day when a nation applauds the venerable distinction of condemning the Taliban as proof of ''progressive politics''. In every other country it would be regarded as basic humane behaviour, but in Pakistan its ''progressive''. Condemning the Taliban alone isn't a sign of progressive politics. The question is which political leader in any of the parties will democratise their own structures of power and control? Who will have intra-party elections? There is ''minimalist'' democracy in Pakistan. There are elections, there is sloganeering and poltiical campaigning but that's about it. If I can cite a recent paper on the matter, '''http://www.pu.edu.pk/csas/journal/PDF/Dr.%20Omer%20Farooq%20Zain%206.pdf''' Paradox of Our Political Parties: ''To use a “system’s phrase”, political parties are a major “inputing” device, allowing citizens to get their needs and wishes heard by the government. Of course, without political parties, individuals would stand alone and be ignored by the government. Therefore, at the very least, parties give people the feeling that they are not utterly powerless. In Pakistan, however, political parties have become such a commodity that is readily available to the unconstitutional military rulers and non-representative elites for political maneuverings and extending their political legitimacy. The result is obvious ---- increasing disenchantment with political parties and decreasing trust on the “leaders”. A striking contradiction in political parties of Pakistan is their internal deficiencies and undemocratic structures and practices, even though the same parties fight for or seem to struggle for democracy in the country. Socio-political and socio-economic development, therefore, have turned into a “false dawn” and Pakistanis by and large have realized that their freedom meant little and no more than a change of masters'' And: ''It is critically important that political parties in Pakistan should establish mechanisms for internal democracy and transparency in the party structure.'' The problem is that in Pakistan political parties are ''owned'' by families like businesses. Political parties in Pakistan do not serve any higher political ideal but rather the interests of a select elite within the party structure. When election time comes around bring out the emotional tirades the woo the masses and give a sense of egalitarian suffering, but otherwise the political party for our leaders is a vehicle for financial success. There is no notion of public reasoning within political parties in Pakistan. Progressive politics emphasizes the need for individual and moral autonomy particularly in matters of expressing our own ideas in a forum of free and fair discussion. Politics is a family business, and political parties are like dukedoms of old the privelege of an elite... Institutional reforms are far away from us, what is even more sorely needed is intra party reform. The very building blocks of our democracy are a sham, the first foundations of it are so weak that anyone who hopes change can be brought within the current party structure must be delusional...

Syed Nadir El-Edroos | 13 years ago | Reply Isnt it abit presumtious to prepare ourselves for the prodigal sons revival. Progressive values are not neccesary at the heart of a good education, Oxbridge has its good share of colonialists, dictators and murderes. Not too mention that english speaking, shakespere quoting third world elites, are progressive abroad, but land lord tax dodgers at home. I wouldnt call for denying his day at the ballot, but the fact that your last name entitles to you to leadership is closer to the handover for power that is ongoing in North Korea than with any form of progressivism.

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