February 3rd, 1993, marks a historical day when a girl was born to the most charismatic leaders, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari. The day, the first lady of Pakistan, Bibi Aseefa , was born. Just like her parents, she was determined and strong who stood firm and faced every hardship with strong faith and daring mind.
At a very young age she witnessed the arrest of her beloved father in false accusations, who served in jail for almost 11 years, tortured physically and mentally. Yet, her faith in God was unbreakable that she had a strong belief that these hardships will soon come to an end. Along with the arrest of her father, she saw her mother advocating justice for the working class families. Her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, made a prominent name in the political world that the nemesis couldn’t bear the thought that daughter of Bhutto is leading in the world, so they made a plan to make her leave the country. Thus, they all did. They were exiled from Pakistan and got settled in Dubai. In Dubai, all the three children, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Bibi Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, and Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, they grew up and educated.
The First Lady of Pakistan, obtained her Bachelor’s in Political Science and Master’s in Global Health.
Losing a parent is devastating, the vacuum can never be filled when a mother or a father dies. She was just 14 at the time when her mother was assassinated in 2007. The youngest of all, despite suffering the devastating loss of her mother at a very young age, she rose above her challenges, shouldering the weight of her grief with courage and determination. With a steely resolve, she continued to push forward, honoring her mother’s memory by staying strong for herself, for her family and for Pakistan.
Later on completing her education, she stepped into the world of politics, walking in the path of her ancestors, continuing the legacy, she chose to fight for Democracy. Just like her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, she gained popularity on foreign media as a strong and independent woman. A few months back she was even nominated as the top leading woman in the world, the event happened in Dubai and she gave an interview, her words, her dress sense, her actions felt as if Mohtarma Benazir was back.
Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, raised by parents who manifested strength and resilience, she has grown into a powerful force in politics. With a fierce determination and unwavering commitment to justice, she is inspiring a new generation of leaders and driving transformative change in her community.
Serving as the polio eradication ambassador, she is trying her best to make Pakistan “the polio free nation” which was the dream of her mother. Being an MNA and the First Lady of Pakistan, she is continuously advocating for human rights.
As Elif Shafak wisely observed,
“Women’s stories are the oldest stories in the world, yet they are also the most ignored, the most marginalized, the most silenced.”
With a lineage of strong women, she has inherited a legacy of unshakeable conviction and unrelenting passion. Undaunted by the challenges that come with being a woman in politics, she stands firm, her voice ringing out clear and strong as she fights for justice, equality, and the rights of the marginalized. A true chip off the old block, she is a testament to the power of fearless women who inspire, motivate, and empower generations to come.
During PDM, she stood shoulder to shoulder with her brother for election campaign. Even though she was injured by drone attack and got stitches, still she came back to the rally to show her determination for a democratic Pakistan. The pictures of that incident are proof that her wound was deep but her faith was deeper.
Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the face of a young politician, well educated, having moral values and continuing what her parents and grandparents left, this is the need of this nation. I strongly believe that she will make Pakistan great again along with her brother, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, together these two will finally make a democratic, progressive and where laws are followed equally for all.
