Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab Dismisses Rumours of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's Marriage to Gloria von Habsburg

Karachi Mayor and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Murtaza Wahab has strongly dismissed widespread social media reports claiming that party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is preparing to marry into a European family. Wahab took to X (formerly Twitter) late Saturday night, August 29. to clear the air, labelling the viral claims regarding the 38-year-old politician’s alleged engagement and wedding as “incorrect and unfounded”.

Origins of the Online Speculation

"The news story regarding Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s engagement or wedding is incorrect and unfounded," Wahab said. The rumours began circulating after unverified claims suggested that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari had travelled to Liechtenstein - a small sovereign state positioned between Switzerland and Austria - to discuss and finalize dates for his son's wedding. Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Slams PM Shehbaz Sharif Over ‘Shehbaz Speed’ in Lahore but ‘Shehbaz Slow’ in Karachi.

Murtaza Wahab Dismisses Social Media Rumours About Bilawal Bhutto's Wedding

The news story regarding Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s engagement or wedding is incorrect and unfounded

— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) August 29, 2026

As the story spread online, several reports went further by naming 26-year-old former Austrian Archduchess Gloria von Habsburg as the prospective bride. Gloria von Habsburg is the daughter of Archduke Karl of Austria and Francesca von Thyssen-Bornemisza, and serves as a descendant of Karl I, the final reigning Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary. Local media traction increased when the Pakistan-based Urdu daily Daily Ausaf published a report citing unspecified sources which claimed that wedding preparations were underway and that President Zardari was on a private European tour regarding the matter. That report was subsequently deleted. ‘Kashmir Cause Still Exists’: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Concedes Pakistan Faces ‘Hurdles’ in Its Campaign at United Nations.

President Asif Ali Zardari Has Proceeded Abroad on a Private Visit

President Asif Ali Zardari has proceeded abroad on a private visit.

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 27, 2026

Presidential Visit and Lack of Official Confirmation

The speculation was initially fueled by an official announcement from the Presidency on August 27, confirming that President Zardari had “proceeded abroad on a private visit” without detailing the specific itinerary or purpose of the trip.  Despite the intense online discussion, neither Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari nor any members of his family have issued an official statement regarding an engagement or upcoming wedding, leaving the viral reports entirely unsubstantiated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2026 11:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).