President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari are reportedly in Vienna for discussions regarding Bilawal’s possible engagement and marriage, according to a source within the PPP.
The source, who is familiar with the developments, said Zardari and Bilawal have met members of the prospective bride’s family three times since arriving in Austria three days ago. The source claimed that Bilawal and the woman have known each other for several years and share several mutual friends.
According to the source, the prospective bride’s family has links to Austria’s former royal household. Some reports have connected her to the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and described her as a descendant of Karl I, the last reigning Emperor of Austria. However, these details have not been officially confirmed by the Bhutto-Zardari family.
The source further said that the wedding could potentially take place in Vienna later this year. After their stay in Austria, President Zardari and Bilawal are expected to travel to the United Kingdom, where they may spend around 10 days. Members of the prospective bride’s family are also reportedly expected to join them during their time in Britain.
The Presidency confirmed on August 27 that President Zardari had travelled abroad on a private visit but did not disclose the purpose of his trip. Reports have also linked his visit to Liechtenstein, although no official details regarding the reported marriage discussions have been released.
Bilawal, an Oxford University graduate, frequently travels to the United Kingdom for personal and political engagements. According to the source, his sisters are also expected to join the family in London. His aunt, Sanam Bhutto, is already in the UK.
The source claimed that even some senior PPP members and people close to the Bhutto-Zardari family were unaware of the reported marriage discussions until recently.
However, no formal announcement regarding Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s engagement or marriage has been made by the family or the PPP. Karachi Mayor and senior PPP leader Murtaza Wahab has also denied reports that Bilawal is getting married, calling the reports circulating in the media and on social media incorrect.
The conflicting reports have fuelled speculation about Bilawal’s personal life, but the details of any engagement or marriage remain officially unconfirmed.
