Assassinated Pakistan ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s son Bilawal has been appointed chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) along with his father, Asif Ali Zardari.
Bilawal, 19, is a first year undergraduate at Christ Church, Oxford, studying history. It is believed that due to his age and inexperience, he will take a figurehead role while he finishes his studies.
His father Asif Ali Zardari will likely take immediate control of the party until Bilawal is ready to take over.
“My mother always said democracy is the best revenge," Bilawal told journalists.
Bilawal is the latest in a political dynasty that has been marked with bloodshed. His mother was assassinated on Thursday; Grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, founder of the PPP, was executed in 1979 after a military coup; and his uncles both died under unexplained circumstances.
The PPP has come out strongly in favour of contesting the planned January elections, and has appealed to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to reconsider his threat to boycott them.
It is believed Bilawal will play a key role in campaigning, the party hoping that the succession of another Bhutto will rally supporters. He will then return to Oxford to continue studying.
