Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has reportedly left for Dubai hours after his father, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, referred to him as an “inexperienced” politician. However, the PPP has dismissed rumors of differences between the father-son duo, stating that Bilawal’s visit to Dubai was pre-planned.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), PPP Central Secretary Information Faisal Karim Kundi clarified that Bilawal’s departure for Dubai was in line with his schedule after a visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kundi dismissed rumors of differences between Bilawal and Asif Ali Zardari as baseless.
Former Sindh Chief Minister and PPP leader Murad Ali Shah also stated that Bilawal’s visit was routine and not sudden. PPP Information Secretary Shazia Atta Marri mentioned that Bilawal routinely visits Dubai for private reasons, and there was no specific cause for this particular visit. She noted that Bilawal was scheduled to leave for Dubai after completing his Khyber Pakhtunkhwa election tour and would return to Pakistan on November 30 to address the party’s Foundation Day event.
PPP Senator Sherry Rehman questioned the panic surrounding the news, emphasizing that Bilawal’s visit was exactly as scheduled.
There appears to be a difference in narratives between Bilawal and Zardari in the lead-up to the general elections, with Bilawal expressing concerns about potential interference, while Zardari sees the elections as transparent. Bilawal has been campaigning across the country, urging “old politicians” to step back and let the new generation lead. The general elections are slated for February 8 next year.
In August, during a speech in the National Assembly, Bilawal called on his father and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to ensure that politics for the next generation is easier, emphasizing that they shouldn’t face the same challenges as their elders.
