KARACHI – Pakistani actress Aymen Saleem has officially joined the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), marking her entry into politics after establishing a career in the entertainment industry.
The Chupke Chupke actress announced her decision during a press conference in Karachi on Friday, October 23, alongside PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro.
As Aymen Saleem joins PPP, the actress has revealed that former prime minister Benazir Bhutto played a significant role in inspiring her political ambitions.
Saleem said she had admired Bhutto since childhood and considered her political journey an example of determination, courage and leadership.
Aymen Saleem Joins PPP After Years of Admiring Benazir Bhutto
Explaining her decision, Saleem said Benazir Bhutto had been a source of inspiration throughout her life.
The actress recalled Bhutto’s historic achievement of becoming the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country through a democratic government.
Bhutto became Pakistan’s first female prime minister in 1988 at the age of 35, making history in a political environment largely dominated by men.
Saleem also highlighted the challenges Bhutto faced during her political career, including imprisonment, exile and threats to her safety.
According to the actress, Bhutto’s journey taught her that ambition should never be limited by gender.
She said the former prime minister’s determination encouraged her to believe that women could overcome obstacles and pursue leadership roles.
Actress Says Joining PPP Is a Promise to Pakistan
During the press conference, Saleem described her decision to enter politics as a personal commitment rather than simply a career change.
“This is not a political decision for me, personally. This is a promise for me,” she said.
The actress explained that she wanted to use her education, professional experience and public platform to contribute to Pakistan.
She expressed gratitude to the PPP leadership for providing her with an opportunity to participate in political activities.
Saleem also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and senior party leader Faryal Talpur.
Meanwhile, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro welcomed the actress into the party and expressed satisfaction over her decision.
Aymen Saleem Reflects on Her Father’s Cricket Career
Saleem also referred to her family background while discussing her motivation to serve Pakistan.
Her father, Saleem Yousuf, is a former Pakistani cricketer who represented the national team as a wicketkeeper.
The actress said her father’s sporting career had contributed to her sense of patriotism and desire to work for the country.
She explained that growing up in a family associated with representing Pakistan internationally had influenced her understanding of public service.
Saleem expressed hope that her educational background and professional experience would help her make a meaningful contribution through her new political platform.
From Chupke Chupke to Politics
Before entering the entertainment industry, Aymen Saleem worked in investment banking and consulting in New York.
She later gained widespread recognition through the popular Hum TV drama Chupke Chupke in 2021.
Her performance as Ramisha, popularly known as Mishi, introduced her to television audiences and helped establish her acting career.
However, shortly after the drama’s success, Saleem announced that she would step away from acting.
In a subsequent interview, she explained that the sudden attention following her debut had been overwhelming and that she needed time to reconsider her career plans.
The actress eventually returned to television, appearing in the Ramadan drama Paristan in 2022.
Her decision to enter politics now adds another chapter to a career that has included corporate work and television acting.
What Role Will Aymen Saleem Play in PPP?
Although Aymen Saleem joins PPP with a stated intention to serve Pakistan, her exact responsibilities within the party remain unclear.
The actress has not announced plans to contest an election or seek a particular political office.
Speaking about her future, Saleem indicated that becoming a member of the National Assembly or Senate was not her immediate priority.
Instead, she said she wanted to begin by using the party’s platform to work for the public.
Her entry into politics follows several other entertainment personalities who have expressed support for or joined political parties in Pakistan.
For now, Saleem’s announcement marks a significant shift in her public career, with her future activities in the PPP yet to be outlined.
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