Pakistan: President Zardari Arrives Home After Brief Illness
By KUNA
Amid speculation of threats to his government and possible elections before the scheduled time, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari returned home Sunday night.
President Zardari was flown back to Karachi from Dubai, where he stayed for about 13 days after suffering from a minor stroke on Dec 5th. He was received by senior ruling party Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) members.
His absence sparked rumors that military was preparing for a possible coup or a technocrats’ government, backed by military, was in the offing. The rumors became stronger when the military chief held more than three-hour long meeting with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday.
Local news channels reported that security across Karachi international airport was tight and further beefed up ahead of the President’s arrival.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gilani talking to newsmen said that there is no technocrat and caretaker government in sight. He also negated any possibility of martial law in the country. “When President Zardari comes back, all rumours would die”.
He said further that his meeting with the military chief was in favour of national interest. He added that all fuss was being created ahead of Senate elections.
The Senate elections are scheduled for March and it is expected that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will win a majority in the Upper House of the Parliament.
