Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the youngest daughter of President Asif Zardari and the late Benazir Bhutto, was sworn in as a member of the National Assembly (MNA) on Monday amidst opposition protests.
The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was called following a request from the opposition. President Zardari attended to watch his daughter’s oath-taking along with his other children.
Aseefa, accompanied by her brother and fellow MNA Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, entered the assembly hall to applause from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmakers. Prominent party leaders and other guests filled the galleries.
Elected unopposed in a by-election for NA-207 Nawabshah—a seat her father vacated—Aseefa’s swearing-in marks her entry into parliamentary politics.
Her arrival prompted chants of ‘Jeay Bhutto’. Meanwhile, independent lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protested, alleging election irregularities to favour her candidacy.
During the session, opposition members loudly protested, prompting Bilawal to give Aseefa headphones to listen to Speaker Sadiq administer the oath. She then signed the member roll.
Post-ceremony, Aseefa greeted her sister Bakhtawar in the guest gallery before exiting with Bilawal. She later joined her father in the Speaker’s Chamber, where he followed the events on television.
The gallery hosted several dignitaries, including Faryal Talpur, Sherry Rehman, the Chief Ministers of Sindh and Balochistan, Senate members, and PPP leaders from various regions.
Following continued disruptions, treasury members exited in protest, criticizing the opposition’s conduct. Naveed Qamar of the PPP expressed disappointment over the opposition’s attitude, contrasting it with usual parliamentary welcomes.
The government then highlighted the session’s lack of quorum. Following a count, Speaker Sadiq adjourned the meeting indefinitely due to insufficient members.
This session marked President Zardari’s first Parliament visit since his presidency began. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Speaker Sadiq, who also congratulated him on his daughter’s election.
