Pak's Bilawal Bhutto getting married to princess in Europe? Facts amid the buzz

Is Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari preparing to marry into European royalty? That is the buzz taking over social media in Pakistan, with viral posts claiming that the 38-year-old Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief could marry the great-granddaughter of Austria's last emperor, Charles I.

The speculation has gathered pace after Bilawal's father, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, arrived in Austria for a seven-day private visit. Social media users were quick to link the trip to the alleged wedding, with some claiming that marriage discussions were underway and a date could be finalised soon.

The PPP, however, has poured cold water on the wedding buzz, calling reports about Bilawal's engagement and marriage "incorrect and unfounded".

ZARDARI'S AUSTRIA TRIP ADDS TO THE BUZZ

The Pakistan President's Office had said on August 27 that Zardari had "proceeded abroad on a private visit", without initially disclosing his destination or the purpose of the trip.

Pakistan media reports, citing unnamed sources, subsequently claimed that preparations for Bilawal's wedding were underway and linked Zardari's European visit to the matter.

Social media posts took the speculation further, naming Gloria von Habsburg as Bilawal's prospective bride.

The posts described her as a former Austrian archduchess and the great-granddaughter of Charles I, Austria's last emperor, adding a royal twist to the wedding buzz.

Some posts also claimed that the wedding could take place towards the end of the year. However, there has been no official confirmation of any of these claims.

PPP SAYS WEDDING REPORTS 'UNFOUNDED'

Karachi Mayor and PPP leader Murtaza Wahab, who also serves as Bilawal's spokesperson, rejected the reports on Saturday.

He called claims about Bilawal's engagement and wedding "incorrect and unfounded". Neither Bilawal nor his family has announced an engagement, named a prospective bride or confirmed a wedding date.

Bilawal, however, has made no secret of wanting to marry.

Asked about his marriage plans during the UN General Assembly in 2022, the then Pakistan foreign minister smiled and said, "Of course, I have plans to marry," but gave no timeline.

And there could be another hurdle for any prospective bride. In 2016, Bilawal said she would first have to win over his sisters.

"The right candidate will first have to win over the hearts of my sisters," he said, adding that it would be "a very difficult task for any girl".

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