Bilawal to be new chief of Zardari tribe

ISLAMABAD: President and Co-Chairman PPP Asif Ali Zardari has decided to forego the title of chief of the Zardari tribe and pass on the mantle of tribal leadership to his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

This was stated by President's Spokesman Farhatullah Babar in response to questions from a section of the media.

Explaining he said that according to the tribal tradition, consequent upon the death of the tribal chief his eldest son takes over as head of the tribe.

The transition to new tribal leadership is formalized in a customary gathering of the tribal elders called ìDastar bandií that is held on or soon after the soyem, the third day of prayers for the departed soul and receiving of the condolences.

He said that according to this tradition, after the death of the chief of Zardari tribe Mr. Hakim Ali Zardari his son President Asif Ali Zardari has become the chief of his tribe.

However, President Zardari has decided not to become the tribal chief and pass on the largely ceremonial title to his son and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said.

Formal ceremony of `dastar bandi' to herald Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as tribal chief has, however, been put off till such time when the overall conditions in the country are more conducive and the holding of such tribal ceremonies do not appear insensitive, he said.

The President is sensitive to the sensibilities involved and has advised to withhold customary tribal ceremonies that are also accompanied at times with a measure of fanfare, Farhatullah Babar said.