ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has decided not to become chief of the Zardari tribe, passing on the title to his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari instead.
Presidential Spokesman Mr Babar said that as per tribal custom the president was supposed to become the head of Zardari tribe after the death of his father Hakim Ali Zardari. However, the president refused to become a tribal chieftain.
The ceremony at which the mantle of tribal leadership is passed from one generation to the other, called “Dastar Bandi”, usually takes place soon after the Soyem of the deceased chieftain, according to Mr Babar.
“However, in case of Bilawal, the Dastar Bandi has been put off until such time as the overall situation in the country improves,” he said.
