Clip shows brief Bilawal-Marri exchange during press conference which later went viral on social media
A day after a clip showing perceived brusqueness of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari towards the party’s MNA Shazia Marri went viral on social media, the PPP spokesperson himself on Friday called it a one-off interaction that could not be viewed in isolation.
The PPP chairman had addressed a press conference after the party’s parliamentary meeting at Parliament House in Islamabad on Thursday. Although the session lasted almost half an hour, the brief exchange – lasting only a few seconds – attracted considerable attention online.
The exchange took place during the press conference when a journalist asked Bilawal about comments attributed to federal ministers suggesting that education, health and other subjects, particularly the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), should be returned to the Center under a proposed 28th constitutional amendment.
Several subjects, including education and health, were devolved to the provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment in 2010.
In response, Bilawal said he was not aware of which federal minister the journalist was referring to. At this point, members of the press tried to clarify where one mentioned a prime minister and another mentioned the prime minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah. However, Shazia intervened to clarify that it was Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kesoo Mal Kheal Das.
After her clarification, Bilawal replied, “I’m not asking you.” Marri started to apologize, but Bilawal cut her off and said, “Thank you. Thank you.”
As the clip circulated widely on social media, several users criticized Bilawal’s behavior while others said Shazia appeared visibly embarrassed and uncomfortable during the interaction.
She addressed the dispute in a post on X today, defending the party chairman’s position.
“An interaction that found its way onto social media between people who have worked closely together for many years cannot be seen in isolation,” she said.
She added that the PPP had always prioritized the collective good of the people and that nothing should detract from their shared mission of public service.
An interaction that has found its way onto social media between people who have worked closely together for many years cannot be seen in isolation. OPP has always prioritized the collective good for the population, and nothing should remove our shared mission of public service.
— Shazia Atta Marri (@ShaziaAttaMarri) 15 May 2026
