Pakistan’s foreign policy under Bilawal Bhutto

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari returned home after a successful diplomatic voyage of the Republic of Iraq that laid the foundation for a sustainable economic, and trade partnership between the two nations. During the visit, Mr. Zardari held extensive interactions with the Iraqi leadership, including meetings with the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Speaker of the Parliament, and Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Bashir Al- Najafi. These high-level interactions showcased the mutual desire to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster fraternal cooperation in diverse fields between the two brotherly nations. Both nations signed several MoUs aimed at promoting economic cooperation, strengthening cultural ties, easing the visa regime, and promoting travel and tourism between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari represents young Pakistani talent in the field of global diplomacy. He owes multiple personal traits including enlightened moderation, tolerance, broadmindedness, and respect for others, however, his measured diplomacy has revived the legacy of former Prime Minister ZA Bhutto’s all-time kinetic foreign policy in the 1960s. Realistically, his grooming in a political family and good education has certainly given him an edge to better represent Pakistan at the global level. It had been so much better if he was not carrying the alleged corruption baggage of his father. Bilawal will certainly be part of family dynasty politics in the coming days. The experience and contacts he has gained in the last year will definitely help him in the long run. Mr. Zardari dreams to see Bilawal as a future Prime Minister and preparing him for that role while the current portfolio will boost his statesmanship in the future.

Bilawal is definitely a top contender for the top slot in the next setup and this one year of job in the current role gave him a good platform to get his face familiar with the international world, intelligentsia, and global media. Among the current competitors, Maryam Nawaz, Imran Khan, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Bilawal could be the top contender for Premiership because of his soberness, maturity, and clean personality, which gave him an advantage over both adversaries who personally face court cases and indictments on various grounds. To hold the throne of PM will be a challenge for him but it will not be something that his family has not seen in the past. All political groups are lobbying to win the upcoming general elections, however, the public verdict would be important in the election of the next leader.