London, August 5
Pakistan’s emerging new star, Bilawal Bhutto may have his political baptism here when he formally takes over the reins of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party from his father Asif Ali Zardari.

Bilawal, 21, described by BBC “as the young heir to Pakistan’s most important political dynasty”, is expected to take over at a rally in Birmingham in Central England on Saturday.

Bilawal who has graduated with a degree in History from the famous Christ Church college at Oxford — considered to be cradle of politicians worldwide — has been at his father’s side during his recent visit to France and UK.

The young Bhutto, already Chairman of PPP, is expected to give a speech before several thousands of his party supporters, alongside his father. “Bilawal will be there and will make a speech,” PPP coordinator Waheed Rasab said here. “The rally would be a significant pointer,” the party leader here said, adding that Bilawal having finished his studies was likely to head home.

His assasinated mother, late Benazir Bhutto, had written in her autobiography that she gave birth to Bilawal amidst celebratory scenes where shouts of “jive Bhutto” were raised. “The most celebrated and politically controversial baby in the history of Pakistan had been born,” she wrote.

But the massive rally is also facing opposition. Pakistan’s cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party has threatened to launch a protest at the rally. Party’s UK coordinator Rabia Zia said, “Pakistanis are struggling to cope with the worst floods in 80 years while the ‘elected’ President is visiting UK using taxpayer’s money. This is the height of callousness,” she said. — PTI