Speculation Rises: Aseefa Bhutto Set to Assume First Lady Role
As Asif Ali Zardari took the oath of office as Pakistan’s 14th President on Sunday, attention turned to the question of who would assume the role of the nation’s first lady.
During the inauguration ceremony at the President’s House in Islamabad, Zardari was accompanied by his youngest daughter, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. This choice did not go unnoticed, with Aseefa’s presence sparking speculation about her potential role as the first lady of Pakistan.
Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, the eldest daughter, added fuel to the speculation by mentioning Aseefa in a tweet, emphasizing her support for their father and hinting at her new role. Traditionally, the first lady is the president’s wife, but with Zardari being a widower since the tragic passing of his wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, in 2007, the situation is different.
During Zardari’s first presidential term from 2008 to 2013, the position of first lady remained vacant. However, with Aseefa now 31 years old and actively involved in political activities, the prospect of her assuming the role gains traction.
Aseefa played a significant role in the Pakistan Peoples Party’s electoral campaign leading up to the recent polls, showcasing her political prowess and commitment to her family’s legacy. Her emergence on the political scene dates back to a rally in Multan in November 2020.
The possibility of a daughter assuming the role of first lady is not unprecedented, with historical instances from other countries where widower presidents appointed their daughters, sisters, or nieces to fulfill the duties. The Pakistan Peoples Party’s social media post seemingly hinted at this development, describing Aseefa as the “first lady with the president” in a photo from the oath-taking ceremony.
While no official notification has been issued yet, sources suggest that a decision regarding Aseefa’s role as the first lady is imminent. Aseefa’s consistent presence by her father’s side, including accompanying him to court hearings, further underscores her potential for assuming this significant position.
