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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is set to depart for the United States to attend the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden in Washington on January 20.
Bilawal will arrive in the US on January 19, a day before Biden’s inauguration and will stay till January 22 He will also hold informal meetings with the Biden campaign managers and is scheduled to meet prominent US Senators.
This raises the question whether the incoming Biden administration had sidelined the incumbent PTI government even before coming to power by not issuing an invitation to Prime Minister Imran Khan. Thousands of people including several heads of state and government have been invited but the prime minister is a notable exception.
It emerged that the Biden administration has shunned the prime minister as it does not have cordial relations. It was revealed that Biden is not appreciative of the role of the establishment in Pakistan’s politics as the military wields significant influence over the civilian government.
Joe Biden has promised to host a gathering of the world’s democracies after this inauguration. The “Summit for Democracy” gives organizers some room to maneuver on invitations but it is unlikely that the prime minister would be invited.
In his congratulatory tweet following Biden’s victory, Prime Minister Imran Khan said he looks “forward” to the democracy summit and is apparently expecting an invitation.
Biden’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20 on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Zardari will not attend the ceremony as his name is listed on the Exit Control List.
The Democratic Party is reported to have close contacts with the PPP and both Bilawal and Zardari are among the first in the country to receive the invitation.
Zardari and Obama administrations worked closely on different issues including the war on terror and Kerry Lugar Bill. In 2008, Zardari awarded him the Hilal-i-Pakistan in recognition of consistent support for Pakistan.
On the other hand, the conditions to get invited to the US Presidential ceremony have been revealed.
Sources said an influential person, like Bilawal Zardari, can be invited to the prestigious event. Sources said individuals who intended to attend the ceremony could travel their own expenses.
Sources also disclosed that Bilawal and Zardari not officially invited to attend the inauguration of Joe Biden in Washington on January 20. It was a purchased invitation, sources revealed.
Bilawal Bhutto & Asif Zardari are not invited by the White House as a guest; in fact Bilawal Bhutto bought the invitation for thousands of Dollars.
PPP Media Cell is framing it differently and our media outlets easily bought it. #BidenHarrisInauguration #BilawalBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/7anaSESdI1
— Faizan Hayat Khan (@FaizanHayat13) January 13, 2021
