The clip shows a brief Bilawal-Marri exchange during a press conference which later went viral on social media
A day after a clip showing Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s perceived abruptness towards party MP Shazia Marri went viral on social media, the PPP spokesperson herself on Friday called it a one-off interaction that could not be seen in isolation.
The PPP chairman addressed a press conference after the party’s parliamentary meeting at the Parliament in Islamabad on Thursday. Although the session lasted nearly half an hour, the brief exchange – which lasted only a few seconds – attracted considerable attention online.
The exchange took place at the press conference when a reporter asked Bilawal about comments attributed to federal ministers suggesting that education, health and other matters, particularly the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), be referred to the Center as part of a proposed 28th constitutional amendment.
Several matters, including education and health, were delegated to provinces under the 18th constitutional amendment in 2010.
In response, Bilawal said he did not know which federal minister the journalist was referring to. At this point, members of the press attempted to clarify the situation, with one mentioning a minister of state and another naming the prime minister’s aide, Rana Sanaullah. However, Shazia intervened to clarify that it was the Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das.
Following his clarification, Bilawal replied: “I am not asking you. Marri started to apologize, but Bilawal interrupted her and said, “Thank you. Thank you.”
As the clip circulated widely on social media, several users criticized Bilawal’s behavior, while others said Shazia seemed visibly embarrassed and uncomfortable during the interaction.
She addressed the controversy in an article on X today, defending the party president’s position.
“An interaction that has made 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 nothing should undermine their common public service mission.
An interaction that has made its way onto social media, between people who have worked closely together for many years, cannot be considered in isolation. PPP has always given priority to the collective good of citizens and nothing should harm our common public service mission.
– Shazia Atta Marri (@ShaziaAttaMarri) May 15, 2026
