Aymen Saleem joins PPP inspired by Benazir Bhutto

Pakistani actress Aymen Saleem, daughter of former cricketer Saleem Yousuf, has officially joined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), revealing that former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has been a lifelong source of inspiration for her. The actress announced her decision at a press conference in Karachi, marking a new chapter in her professional journey as she prepares to explore opportunities in public service.

Saleem appeared alongside PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, where she expressed her admiration for Benazir Bhutto and explained how the late political leader influenced her perspective on women’s empowerment, leadership and patriotism.

Speaking at the event, Saleem said she had admired Benazir since childhood and believed that her remarkable journey had inspired countless women across the country. She described joining the PPP as a moment of pride and happiness, adding that the former prime minister’s achievements continued to encourage young women to pursue their ambitions.

The actress highlighted Benazir Bhutto’s historic achievement of becoming the first woman elected to lead a Muslim-majority country. She also recalled the challenges Benazir faced throughout her political career, including imprisonment, exile and threats to her safety.

According to Saleem, Benazir’s decision to return to Pakistan despite the risks demonstrated her deep commitment to the people and her determination to serve the country. She said the former prime minister’s courage had taught her that women should never consider their dreams too small or allow gender to limit their ambitions.

Saleem explained that these values had remained with her since childhood and played an important role in her decision to join the political party.

However, the actress clarified that her decision was not simply about entering politics or pursuing a new career opportunity. Instead, she described it as a personal commitment to Pakistan and its people.

She expressed gratitude to the party for providing her with a platform through which she hopes to contribute to the country’s development. Saleem said she intended to use the opportunity sincerely and work towards serving the public, emphasising that her primary motivation was to make a positive difference.

The actress also spoke about her family’s connection with Pakistan, referring to her father, Saleem Yousuf, who represented the national cricket team for more than a decade.

She said her father’s contribution to Pakistani cricket had strengthened her sense of national pride and that patriotism had always been an important part of her upbringing. Saleem added that she had long wanted to do something meaningful for her country and hoped to use her education and professional experiences to make the most of this opportunity.

At the conclusion of her address, Saleem thanked the PPP leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari and party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for welcoming her into the political organisation.

Her entry into the PPP adds another name to the list of Pakistani entertainers who have moved into politics. Several actors have previously associated themselves with political parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), reflecting the growing overlap between the entertainment industry and public life.

Saleem’s latest move represents another significant transition in a career that has already included several professional changes. Before entering the entertainment industry, she worked in investment banking and consulting in New York, gaining experience in the corporate sector.

She later established herself as an actress and gained widespread recognition for her performance in the popular television drama Chupke Chupke. Following the drama’s success, she announced in 2021 that she would temporarily step away from acting, sharing the decision with her followers on Instagram. She eventually returned to the screen.

Now, by joining the PPP, Saleem appears ready to explore a different path beyond acting. Her stated commitment to public service, combined with her admiration for Benazir Bhutto’s legacy, will shape how she approaches this new role in Pakistan’s political landscape.