ISLAMABAD: A two page website allowing supporters to join ‘Team Bilawal’ has fueled further rumours about a rift between Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his father former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) already has a functional youth wing but Team Bilawal appears to be aimed at garnering Bilawal Bhutto his own support base.

There is a rift between father and son if media reports are to be believed. Bilawal did not come to attend his mother’s death anniversary which he has never missed in the past.

The website (www.teambilawal.org) says that the Pakistan People’s Party at its outset was the youth of Pakistan.

“Commencing from where it ceased. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari brings hope for the youth bulge that is more than 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population. Pakistan is now to be youth-lead and youth-driven.”

It further says that transfer of power to the younger generation can result in a better society based on peace and social cohesion and goes on to discuss the potential of youth. The website urges young people to come forward and take responsibility.

On the website, potential members of Team Bilawal can fill a form and submit it. The form asks for basic information such as date of birth, name, address etc. and asks potential members to provide details of skills and experience. The applicants are also asked to detail their reasons for wanting to join Team Bilawal.

The website has the same name as Twitter account @TeamBilawalPPP which has been posting official updates of activities of Team Bilawal as well as reposting Tweets by Bilawal Bhutto, Asifa Zardari and PPP leaders.

Some posts by the Twitter account:

Team Bilawal @TeamBilawalPPP • 22h 22 hours ago

HappyBirthdaySZAB

Team Bilawal @TeamBilawalPPP • Jan 3

TeamBilawal is holding candle light vigil in the memory of Shaheed Salman Taseer 2moro at 8pm at 2Talwar Clifton Khi

Spokesman of former president Asif Ali Zardari, Farhatullah Babar, was contacted to confirm the authenticity of the website. He responded that he will check with the concerned section of Bilawal House Karachi and will get back soon.

However, two hours late Senator Babar had not called with a confirmation.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play