In a strategic move, Pakistan’s new President, Asif Ali Zardari, has named his daughter Aseefa Bhutto the country’s First Lady.
Sources say Zardari has carefully calculated the decision to cement his grip on power amid troubled political dynamics.
While Bilawal thinks he is the sole heir of Bhutto’s legacy, Zardari wants to groom Aseefa to be the next Benazir. He finds her more responsible than his son.
With the elections throwing up a hung assembly, Zardari is wary of becoming dependent on Bilawal alone.
By promoting Aseefa, he seeks to counter Maryam Nawaz and have a female face to take on her and Bilawal if needed.
It is not the first time in Pakistan that a President has chosen his daughter over his wife for the First Lady role.
Zardari aims to secure his position through his affectionate daughter rather than relying solely on his wayward son.
Aseefa’s new role presents intriguing power equations in the Pakistani polity. It remains to be seen how Bilawal reacts to his father’s manoeuvres.
