Daughter of Benazir Bhutto Sworn In as Member of Pakistan Assembly

Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, daughter of former President Asif Ali Zardari, was elected unopposed as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad (formerly Nawabshah) on March 29. She succeeded her father, who vacated the seat after being elected president. Aseefa’s political debut was accompanied by her brother and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as she assumed her new responsibilities.

Amidst some commotion during the oath-taking ceremony, administered by NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the PTI protested against the arrest of its candidate, Ghulam Mustafa Rind, by Sakrand police. The PTI claimed Rind was supposed to contest against Aseefa in the by-elections. President Asif Ali Zardari shared his congratulations for Aseefa on his official social media account, acknowledging her oath-taking as a member of the National Assembly in Islamabad.

The National Assembly also shared visuals of the ceremony, with Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq administering the oath. Meanwhile, the PPP labeled the occasion as a ‘historic moment’. Aseefa’s sister, Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, expressed her pride and celebrated her sister’s ascension in the parliament.

PPP Central Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi also hailed Aseefa’s swearing-in as a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy. Among others extending their congratulations was Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon. Aseefa holds a bachelor’s degree in politics and sociology, as well as a master’s in global health and development.

She gained recognition in 2012 as a goodwill ambassador for polio eradication, increasing her familiarity among the public.