Bilawal Bhutto Zardari - A Leader in the Making

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

Hardly anyone knew about Bilawal Bhutto Zardari before the death of Benazir Bhutto. The handsome looking 19-year old Bilawal is all set to play a crucial role in Pakistan's politics in the coming years, as he was named the co-chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Bilawal was hardly interested in politics and confined himself to his study. However, her mother's assassination brought him into the political scene of Pakistan.

Bilawal is currently pursuing graduation at Oxford University. His first language is English although he does speak Urdu and Arabic. He hardly knows anything about Pakistan. He got few chances to meet his father. However, he still remembers what his mother Benzair Bhutto used to say - "Democracy is the best revenge".

Bilawal's friends describe him as a calm and quiet guy, who is studious and a devoted son. He hardly knows anything about politics and public life. But he has the charm and confidence. That was clearly visible when he shouted "Long Live Bhutto" during his mother's burial.

In Urdu, "Bilawal" means "one without equal". Perhaps, destiny is all set to justify the meaning of his name sooner or later. He was born in September 1988. When Benazir went into self-exile in April 1999, she took Bilawal and other two daughters with her. They always used to stay in Dubai and London. The kids hardly get a chance to spend time with their father, as he was in Pakistan jail for a long time.

Significantly, Bilawal's mother Benazir Bhutto, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and former US President Bill Clinton, all studied in Oxford University in the same year. Benazir was the President of the Oxford Union. They later went on to become political bigwigs in their respective countries. Is it a coincidence that Bilawal also started his journey from the same Oxford University?

Bilawal carries a large political legacy. People have high expectations from him. However, he gives first priority to his study at Oxford. He would formally join politics only after completing his studies. He is the leader in the making. Who knows, Bilawal may emerge as a savior of the turbulent Pakistan in near future.