During his first term as president of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, Zardari chose not to remarry, leaving the position of First Lady vacant throughout his tenure. Zardari, aged 68, was inaugurated as the 14th President of Pakistan on Sunday. During the ceremony at the President’s House in Islamabad, he was accompanied by his youngest daughter, Aseefa. Reports suggest that President Zardari has chosen to designate Aseefa Bhutto as the first lady of Pakistan, as per reports
This decision gained significance when Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, the eldest daughter, tagged Aseefa in a post on X on Sunday.
From accompanying Pres @AAliZardari to all his court hearings to fighting for his release from jail – now by his side as First Lady of #Pakistan ♥️ @AseefaBZ https://t.co/Fr6mGtJZfD
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) March 10, 2024
The tweet highlighted Aseefa’s journey, from supporting President Asif Zardari during his court hearings to advocating for his release from jail, to now standing by his side as the First Lady of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also hinted at Zardari’s decision, sparking curiosity about who would hold the position of First Lady after Zardari’s oath-taking ceremony.
According to well-informed sources reported by ARY News, this move to appoint Aseefa as the First Lady is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s political history. Following the official declaration, Aseefa will receive the protocol and privileges associated with the role.
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Aseefa’s elevation to the prestigious position of First Lady comes as a notable development, especially considering that during Zardari’s first term, she was just a teenager.
Aseefa has played an active role in the PPP’s electoral campaign leading up to the February 8 polls, spearheading various rallies to garner support for her brother, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the party’s former Prime Ministerial candidate. Her political debut occurred at a PPP rally in Multan on November 30, 2020.
It’s not uncommon for widowed presidents to designate their daughters, sisters, or even nieces as their First Lady. For instance, former US President Andrew Jackson, a widower, appointed his niece Emily Donelson to serve as the country’s First Lady. Similarly, two other US presidents, Chester Arthur and Grover Cleveland, chose their sisters to fulfill the role of First Lady.
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