In Lahore, following Aseefa Bhutto Zardari’s unopposed victory in the by-election for NA-207, the Zardari family now holds the title for having the highest number of legislators stemming from a single family in the realm of Pakistani politics.
Previously, Aseefa secured her position as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) in the Shaheed Benazirabad previously known as Nawabshah-I constituency. After her election, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officially recognized her as a National Assembly legislator, without facing any opposition.
It is significant to note that 11 individuals, including Aseefa, submitted their nomination papers to participate in the by-election for the seat left vacant by President Zardari, who took office following a joint nomination by the ruling coalition.
As a result, the Zardari family has surpassed the Sharif family’s record, as they now hold the highest number of family members in the nation’s parliamentary history.
Both political families have predominantly governed Pakistan for an extended period, contributing to the growth of dynastic politics within the nation. They have been accused of favoring their family members when assigning tickets prior to elections, which has raised concerns about fair representation.
Currently, Zardari serves as the nation’s president. Alongside him, his daughter Aseefa, son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and brother-in-law Munawar Ali Talpur hold positions as Members of the National Assembly.
Furthermore, his sisters Faryal Talpur and Azra Pechuho are esteemed members of the Sindh provincial assembly.
On the contrary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s elder brother, Mian Nawaz Sharif, and his son, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, have been chosen as Members of the National Assembly. Additionally, his niece, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, holds the position of Chief Minister of Punjab.
In terms of having the most family members elected as MNAs or MPAs, the Zardari family holds the top position, followed by the Sharif family in the second place.
