PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has made history as the youngest foreign minister. Bilawal joined PM Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet and took oath as the federal minister for the first time. His appointment comes at times when Pakistan faces multiple challenges on the external front and will need to mend ties with other countries.
The 33-year-old scion of the Bhutto family joins the footsteps of his illustrious grandfather Z.A. Bhutto who became the foreign minister aged 35. Just a few months ago, it was unfathomable that the PPP chairperson would serve under the incumbent PM Shehbaz Sharif or be given a federal ministry.
Even the PPP was divided on Bilawal should be given the task and serve under another party president while himself being the chairman of a large political party. Zardari had even hinted that the PPP may not even join the federal cabinet. Bilawal was present during the swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet in the first phase but didn’t take oath. The final decision seems to have been made after he met PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif in London where they agreed to work together.
Bilawal was elected a member of National Assembly in 2018 elections but this is his first time as a cabinet member and in professional service. He has vowed to present Pakistan’s interests on the world stage. He will be aided by Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar to inject a new perspective to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Bilawal will have two formidable challenges as foreign minister. As a cabinet member, he will be directly answerable to the prime minister. Although both have agreed to work together, it needs to be seen how far the relationship will go forward. Both know in the next election, whenever they are held, they will be competing against one another.
Another task lies in resetting ties with the West particularly the United States which soured during Imran Khan’s government after the cablegate controversy. The new government is seeking to engage with the Biden administration and restore relations with Washington. This is a challenge which Bilawal must confront as foreign minister.
The new government is also expecting to lower tensions with India if it receives a positive response from Modi. Afghanistan is another problem given the recent cross-border incidents. It will certainly be a tough task for Bilawal to show progress on the foreign policy front.
