Asif Ali Zardari remarks about his son and party’s chairman sparked a debate on the dynamics of power within the Pakistan Peoples’ Party; his annotations about Bilawal Bhutto Zardari being inexperienced were interpreted by some as a sign of a rift between the father and son. Father & Son Duo is in different styles but having same goals, it is a tale of two generations .

A closer look at the interview and the broader political context suggesting that Asif Zardari’s remarks were more nuanced and should not be misconstrued as a sign of discord within the PPP.

Bilawal Buhtto and Asif Zardari represent two distinct generations of Pakistani politics. Former president Zardari, a seasoned politician with decades of experience, is known for his hardheaded and pragmatic approach and ability to navigate the complexities of Pakistani politics. Bilawal, on the other hand, represents the younger generation, bringing a fresh perspective and a more aggressive style of politics. Asif Ali Zardari’s recent interview should not be seen as a sign of a rift within the PPP. Instead, it reflects the dynamics of a party adapting to the changing political landscape and the transition between generations of leadership. Zardari’s pragmatism, Bilawal’s youthful energy, and their shared commitment to the PPP suggest that the party is well-positioned to face the challenges ahead. Zardari’s interview also hinted at the potential for a post-election alliance between the PPP and other major parties, such as the PML-N. With elections just around the corner and concerns about the credibility of the electoral process, a united front against Imran Khan’s PTI could become a necessity. Despite their differences in style, Zardari and Bilawal are more likely to prioritize family unity over individual ambitions. This is evident in the way they have managed the PPP so far, avoiding any major internal conflicts. The interview also touched upon the issue of dynastic politics,

a prevalent feature of Pakistani politics. While dynastic politics has its critics, it also serves to unite families and ensure the continuity of political legacies. In the case of the PPP

, Zardari and Bilawal are bound by their shared family history and a common commitment to the party. Zardari’s comments about his son’s attacks on older politicians further demonstrate his pragmatism. By acknowledging that Bilawal’s criticism extends to him as well, Zardari avoids creating a rift within the party and maintains a united front. Asif Zardari’s interview also highlighted his pragmatic approach to politics.

He acknowledged that no single party is likely to gain a simple majority in the upcoming elections, suggesting the possibility of another coalition government. This aligns with the views of many analysts and indicates Zardari’s willingness to work with other parties to achieve his political goals. While their styles may differ, both Zardari and Bilawal share a common goal: to strengthen the PPP and ensure its

continued relevance in Pakistani politics. Bilawal’s recent attacks on “older politicians” can be seen as an attempt to appeal to his generation and establish his own identity within the party. Zardari’s comments about Bilawal’s inexperience, though seemingly critical, can also be interpreted as a fatherly advice, reminding Bilawal Bhutto of the importance of learning from his predecessors.