ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Member of National Assembly Shazia Marri addressed the controversy surrounding a brief exchange with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari that went viral on social media. She emphasized that a single interaction between long-time colleagues should not be taken out of context.
Marri stated that the party has always focused on the collective welfare of the public, and no isolated incident should detract from their shared commitment to public service. Her remarks came after a video clip circulated widely showing Bilawal’s curt response to her during a press conference.
The incident occurred on Thursday at the Parliament House in Islamabad, following a PPP parliamentary party meeting. During the briefing, a journalist asked Bilawal about reports that federal ministers had proposed returning certain subjects, including education, health, and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), to federal control under a potential 28th constitutional amendment. These areas had been devolved to the provinces under the 18th Amendment in 2010.
Bilawal initially said he was unaware of which federal minister the question referred to. Marri then interjected to clarify that it was Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kesoo Mal Kheal Das. Bilawal responded sharply, “I am not asking you.” Marri quickly apologized, but Bilawal replied with a terse “Thank you.”
The exchange sparked widespread discussion and criticism online. Digital rights activist Usama Khilji described the episode as sending a “poor message” and called on Bilawal to issue an apology. Meanwhile, Imtiaz Gul, executive director of the Centre for Research and Security Studies, labeled the moment “embarrassing” for Marri and characterized Bilawal’s reaction as an example of “wadera arrogance.”
