 "Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. Image-Reuters")
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday (April 2) tested positive for coronavirus, a day after he was hospitalised in Karachi. A statement issued by the presidency confirmed the same, with the president’s personal physician quoted as saying that multiple tests were conducted to ascertain Zardari’s health condition.
Dr Asim Hussain, the physician, said, “The president is suffering from coronavirus and he has been advised to remain in isolation at this time.” He further said that a team of experts was taking care of the president and his condition was improving.
On Tuesday (April 1), Pakistan media reported that the president was shifted to a Karachi hospital after he offered Eid ul Fitr prayers at Nawabshah, a city in the country’s Sindh province.
Is Pak President Zardari being shifted to Dubai?
Some reports also hinted that Zardari may be shifted to Dubai for his treatment; however, the president’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) dismissed those speculations as mere rumours.
PPP’s senior leader and a senior minister in Sindh province, Sharjeel Inam Memon, earlier said the president’s health was improving.
Taking to X, he wrote, “The reports about President Asif Ali Zardari being shifted to Dubai for treatment is inaccurate.”
He further added that his health was “improving and Inshallah (God-willingly), he will be fine very soon”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also believed to have talked to the president to enquire about his health and wish him a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Dawn reported, citing PPP’s sources, that the president was likely to be discharged soon.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsZardari’s recent health issues
At 69 years old, President Zardari has faced multiple health issues in recent years.
In July 2022, he tested positive for COVID-19, but had mild symptoms, according to his son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
In October 2024, he reportedly fractured his foot while deboarding a plane, requiring a cast after treatment.
In March 2023, the PPP leader underwent eye surgery in the United Arab Emirates.