Bilawal says he would not contest 2013 elections

Chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and son of former Premier Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says that he will not contest next elections in 2013 and will have to wait two more years before he is eligible to participate in polls to the National and Provincial Assemblies. President Asif Ali Zardari addressing a meeting of his party's coordination committee had announced that Bilawal will return to Pakistan in September and contest election from Lyari, a stronghold of the PPP. President Zardari made the announcement about Bilawal contesting elections from Lyari after some members of the area complained to him about elected members from the area never visited or interacted with the people to resolve their problems. According to information, Bilawal tweeted that he will turn 23 this September and would not be eligible to contest elections. In the tweet, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Lyari has a special place in his heart and he want to do as much as possible for the area but made it clear that for the time being he was not running in next elections. He however added that he would do whatever the party wants him to do. Bilawal graduated from Oxford University last year and had earlier said that he would learn about the working and organisation of the party before making a foray into electoral politics. Political observers say Bilawal is looking at modernising the People's Youth Organisation and bringing in new ideas like media technology through intellectual and practical exercises. They say he could emerge as the party's much needed progressive voice, given what appears to be his interest in social issues and stance on minorities.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt