The President and Co-Chairman of PPP, Asif Ali Zardari has decided to forego the title of 'chief' of the Zardari tribe and to pass on the mantle of tribal leadership to his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. This was stated by President's spokesperson Farhatullah Babar in response to questions from a section of media. 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 formalised in a customary gathering of the tribal elders called 'dastar bandi', which is held soon after the soyem. He said that according to this tradition, after the death of the chief of Zardari tribe, Hakim Ali Zardari his son Asif Ali Zardari has become the 'chief' of his tribe. However, President Zardari has decided not to become the tribal chief and to pass on the largely ceremonial title to his son and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Farhatullah said.
Formal ceremony of 'dastar bandi', to herald Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as 'tribal chief' has, however, been put off till such time as the overall conditions in the country are more conducive, and the holding of such tribal ceremonies does not appear insensitive, he added. "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," the spokesman added.