Political instability is never a new sight in the country. While the party in power is always changing; there’s one thing that is aways constant-the fury of the opposition. And as the year progresses to an end, it’s interesting to note how it’s brought together a new movement of opposition parties in Pakistan, who were once foes themselves – The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).
While coalition of the opposition isn’t relatively a new concept, the addition of a new face in the Multan jalsa held by PDM was definitely a surprising revelation.
The youngest Bhutto offspring, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari made her debut at the rally as a stand-in for her brother, Bilawal, who is sick with COVID-19
Many are calling it a formal plunge in the world of politics by Aseefa, as she spearheaded the representation for PPP and spoke particularly to the women supporters of the party.
Big entry of @AseefaBZ in politics #PDMMultanJalsa pic.twitter.com/w3TJp1ce94
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) November 30, 2020
People were quick to notice that Aseefa Bhutto Zardari appeared to be channeling her late mother Benazir Bhutto, the first female head of state of the Muslim world
Clad in a brilliant blue suit with the quintessential Benazir-style white chaadar loosely draped on her head, the 27 year old definitely seemed to channel her mother’s persona as she addressed the crowd.
On 30 November 1967 Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of PPP & after 53 years of struggle & sacrifices, grand entry of his grand daughter breaking the barriers &blockades.
It was bibi @AseefaBZ's day today!#PPP53FoundationDay#PDMJalsaMultan @BBhuttoZardari …… pic.twitter.com/Z7VBQj8CsM— Dr Asad Sindhii (@Asadali_PpP) November 30, 2020
Playing to nostalgia factor and a reminder to the people’s allegiance to her mother, Aseefa beseeched them to show similar unwavering support to her brother and the party.
“I hope that just like you supported the mother of democracy and the daughter of the east, you will support Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on PDM’s platform. And I promise that I will support Chairman Bilawal and you at every step.”
Her emotional speech definitely struck a chord with many present and already many are flocking to refer to her as the new defender of democracy
Her Grandfather has given his life for DEMOCRACY
Her mother has given her life for DEMOCRACY
Now She has the chance to live the most luxurious "PEACEFUL" life..but NO ! she has chosen DEMOCRACY bravely without any fear 👏❤❤#asifabhutto #PDMJalsaMultan #PDMMultanJalsa pic.twitter.com/qU0wdxmWWv— Famy.. (@fambanglani) November 30, 2020
People can’t help marvel over the uncanny resemblance between mother and daughter duo of Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Benazir Bhutto
#A new face of "muhtrama benazir bhutto"today she give her first ever speech in Multan jalsa.she resembles her mother,she is energetic same like her mother" if her mother would be alive she would be really happy today"#welcome to politics😍#AsifaBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/csKMq4uY1t
— Ijaz ahmad (@Ijazahm49012492) November 30, 2020
Getting goosebumps. She's uncannily like her mother BB shaheed.Jiyalas must be tearing up. @AseefaBZ
❤🇵🇰#PDMJalsaMultan pic.twitter.com/uSOZx7E8YV
— Usama Sagheer (@imsagheer) November 30, 2020
Aseefa is even being called choti bibi, according to some die-hard fans
Same same 😍#SMBB & Choti BiBi @AseefaBZ so much resembles#PDMJalsaMultan #JalsaTouHoga #PPPFoundationDay #PPP53rdFoundationDay #AseefaBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/PzAdPHJfH1
— Majid Ali Zardari (@MajidAliZardari) November 30, 2020
Getting goosebumps. She's uncannily like her mother, late BB shaheed. Undoubtedly jiyalas must be tearing up. May Allah protect her always. Beautiful urdu accent as well @AseefaBZ #PDMJalsaMultan #aseefabhuttozardari #PPPFoundationDay
— Meher Bokhari (@meherbokhari) November 30, 2020
In fact, she’s already being hailed as a “symbol of resistance”.
Impressive wild card entry by @AseefaBZ in political arena of #Pakistan with a victory sign signaling retreat of ruling junta which boasted not to allow the jalsa on foundation day of #PPP
A political career launched by breaking down barriers. #AsefaSymbolOfResistence pic.twitter.com/umt7g1zQio— Arshad Sharif (@arsched) November 30, 2020
The Benazir Bhutto comparisons were just not coming slow
She has her mother’s voice, heart, courage and political acumen. @AseefaBZ #PDMJalsaMultan pic.twitter.com/BI4FA1vPl9
— Naz Baloch (@NazBaloch_) November 30, 2020
https://twitter.com/gujjarsb07/status/1333452101528281092?s=21
Aseefa’s appearance was also called an inspirational for many young women looking to find an active role in the politics of the country.
So heartening to see someone of my age confident amongst the seasoned. Wish her all the best! @AseefaBZ #aseefabhuttozardari https://t.co/XylPYMbaYv
— Sohaila Zarrain (@Zarrain) November 30, 2020
Her oratory abilities have already earned her loyal supporters.
Superb!
The girl has potential to play a significant role in Pakistan politics. Brilliant speech by @AseefaBZ #PDMJalsaMultan #AseefaBhutto pic.twitter.com/kABKajBIoS— Dr Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) November 30, 2020
Undoubtedly, Aseefa’s presence definitely struck a chord amongst PPP supporters
Many felt proud to see her confidently addressing the crowd.
My husband got extremely emotional by seeing @AseefaBZ @BBhuttoZardari
Tearful😪 Missing Benazir Bhutto
Tum Kitnay Bhutto maro gai
Har ghar se Bhutto niklay ga pic.twitter.com/zpLWmkm1Md— Asma (@AsmaZhk) November 30, 2020
Bibi @AseefaBZ clear, confident and passionate today. Proud day for PPP workers. #PPPFoundationDay #PDMJalsaMultan #JalsaTheesey pic.twitter.com/xcgRbblYdP
— Taimoor Ali Maher (@taimoormaheraly) November 30, 2020
Emotions were an all time high for PPP supporters
Couldn't control my tears when bibi @AseefaBZ started addressing #PDMJalsaMultan. She not only has the resemblance and voice of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto but she is so innocent. May Allah protect her.#PPP53FoundationDay #PDMMultanJalsa. pic.twitter.com/BqTfA0H2eM
— Abdul Majid Kalwar (@Majid_PSF) November 30, 2020
However, not everyone seems to be a fan of Aseefa Bhutto Zardari
Her qualifications are definitely a sour point for many. Honestly, the nature of her sudden ascent, due to her family, is rather murky.
https://twitter.com/gkytweets/status/1333460822807351298?s=21
Another leap forward in dynastic politics where bloodline is the only qualification. #PDMJalsaMultan pic.twitter.com/cN5q0kjBQZ
— Asad Aftab Langah (@asadlangha) November 30, 2020
Of course, there were those who couldn’t help but bring up the fact that she participated in a possible super-spreader event while holding a Masters degree in Global Health
The irony was not lost on some.
Aseefa has a Master’s degree in Global Health. Great! #PDMJalsaMultan #COVID19
— Taimur Malik (@taimur_malik) November 30, 2020
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari while holding a masters degree in global health was addressing a jalsa in a pandemic. Irony just died a thousand deaths.
— Asad 🇵🇸 (@A_sadkermit) November 30, 2020
Many were not willing to simply “forget” and “welcome” this new addition to the Pakistani political landscape
Can we all stop glamourising #Benazirbutto & stop doing awww muah to her kids … ? Why dont you guys remember all the sufferings of thar & interior sindh while doing all this?#aseefabhuttozardari
— M (@ChawleinNaMaro) November 30, 2020
https://twitter.com/maabehnkadanda/status/1333439354996404226?s=21
Her mother isn’t the only family member that Aseefa was compared with
Her language skills were also compared to her brother, the chairman of the PPP, Bilawal Zardari.
Differences Apart But I must say, Aseefa zardari's Urdu speech is way better than Bilawal's.#PDMJalsaMultan#aseefabhuttozardari
— Tarim Irum (@IrumTarim) November 30, 2020
Woah! Aseefa’s Urdu is so much more natural than Bilawal’s. And she is looking so much like a young BB.
— Hasan Zaidi (@hyzaidi) November 30, 2020
While many people seemed to be going gaga over Aseefa, others couldn’t help but mock this blind loyalty
Meanwhile, feudal princess Aseefa to jiyala journos and random people going gaga over her on twitter: pic.twitter.com/2ksgGg7eXQ
— Svengali (@Ronin212) November 30, 2020
Even political rivals couldn’t help but notice Aseefa Bhutto Zardari’s arrival in the political arena of Pakistan
Political differences aside, Aseefa is pretty cool.
— Ali Khan Tareen (@aliktareen) November 30, 2020
Do you think Aseefa gave off Benazir Bhutto vibes with her speech at the PDM jalsa? Sound off in the comments below.