Asif Ali Zardari: First Sindhi Civilian to Serve Twice as Pakistan’s President
Asif Ali Zardari, born in 1955, is a Pakistani Sindhi politician belongs to Zardari caste. He is co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. He gained prominence after marrying Benazir Bhutto in 1987. Zardari served as Pakistan’s president from 2008 to 2013 and returned to the presidency in 2024 as 14th president of Pakistan. He is the 1st civilian who was two-time president of Pakistan.
His family holds significant political influence—his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leads the PPP, he served as 37th foreign minister of Pakistan while his daughters, the first lady Aseefa Bhutto and Bakhtawar, are also politically active. His sister, Faryal Talpur, is a key PPP leader, and Dr. Azra Pechuho is a provincial minister. Zardari remains a central figure in Pakistan’s politics, with his family deeply embedded in governance.
Asif Ali Zardari became Pakistan’s 14th 2nd-time President on March 2024.He won with 411 votes, defeating Mehmood Khan Achakzai. Asif Ali Zardari is the first to be elected twice and among the few to complete a full term. His inauguration was attended by top political and military leaders.
He serves as the President of Pakistan, and as PPP co-chairperson from 2007 to 2015. He played a key role in party leadership, guiding it through major political transitions. Under his leadership, PPPP remains a significant force in Pakistani politics, advocating democracy and federalism.
Background
Asif Ali Zardari was born into a Sindhi Zardari family in Nawabshah, Sindh. His father, Hakim Ali, was a small landlord and politician with business interests, including cinema ownership in Karachi and Hyderabad. The Zardari-family was well-connected in Sindh’s political and business circles.
His mother had a close relationship with Nusrat Bhutto, linking the family to Pakistan’s political elite. Asif Ali Zardari received his early education in Karachi and later pursued studies abroad. His family residence, Zardari House, is a well-known landmark in Nawabshah, and their ancestral graveyard, Baloo Ja Quba (بالو جا قُبا) is where his father and mother are laid to rest.
Before his marriage to Benazir Bhutto (بينظير ڀٽو), Asif Ali Zardari (آصف علي زرداري)was involved in managing Bambino Cinema in Karachi, a business owned by his father. He also pursued his passion for polo (Zardari Four) and boxing during his youth.
Asif Ali Zardari and Benazir Bhutto the former prime minister of Pakistan, had a son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and two daughters, Bakhtawar and Aseefa. After Bhutto’s assassination, his sister Faryal Talpur became their guardian. His parents passed away in 2002 and 2011, making him the Zardari tribe’s chieftain.
Known for seeking spiritual guidance, he consulted Sufi scholar Ahmad Rafique Akhtar and Pir Mohammad Ejaz. His mental health has been debated; he claimed torture in prison and was diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and dementia (2005–2007). However, he later stated he only has high blood pressure and diabetes.
Asif Ali Zardari faced an early political setback when he lost the 1983 district council election in Nawabshah. Following this defeat, he shifted focus to real estate, building a business empire before later re-entering politics.
In 1987, Asif Ali Zardari married Benazir Bhutto in a grand ceremony, drawing national and international attention. The marriage elevated his status, making him a prominent figure in Pakistan’s political and social circles. As the son-in-law of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he gained widespread recognition, closely associating himself with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). His newfound popularity placed him in the national spotlight, shaping his future political journey.
Nicknamed “Mr. Ten Percent”, Zardari has long been associated with allegations of corruption, including assets like Surrey Palace in London and Swiss bank accounts. Over the years, he has amassed billions of dollars in wealth, making him one of Pakistan’s wealthiest individuals.
His investments extend beyond Pakistan, including a major real estate portfolio in Dubai, adding to his vast financial empire. Despite numerous legal battles, he has remained a dominant figure in Pakistani politics. Today, he is considered a business tycoon with countless assets, influencing both politics and business in the country.
In 2005, Asif Ali Zardari was reportedly Pakistan’s second richest man with a net worth of $1.8 billion. He amassed wealth during Bhutto’s tenure and received $60 million in Swiss accounts. His assets included properties in Surrey, London, Manhattan, Dubai, and a Normandy chateau. He also owned Bilawal House I & II in Karachi and Lahore, and Zardari House in Islamabad.
He gained national prominence after marrying Benazir Bhutto in 1987, becoming the son-in-law of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister. This alliance cemented his position in the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and elevated his political stature. Despite controversies, his association with the Bhutto legacy made him a significant figure in Pakistani politics, contributing to both his popularity and influence within the party and the country.
During Benazir Bhutto’s tenure, Asif Ali Zardari had growing tensions with his brother-in-law, Murtaza Bhutto. In 1996, Murtaza was killed in a controversial police encounter in Karachi, escalating political turmoil. Following the incident, Asif Ali Zardari was arrested on charges of murder and corruption, marking the beginning of his years-long legal battles and imprisonment.
He remained in prison from 1996 to 2004, facing multiple legal battles. After his release, he went into self-exile in Dubai, distancing himself from Pakistani politics for several years. Despite the allegations, he later returned to power, becoming a dominant political figure in Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and national politics
After Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in 2007, Asif Ali Zardari returned from self-exile to reclaim his political influence. He took charge of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and led it to victory in the 2008 general elections. His leadership strengthened PPP’s position, ultimately paving the way for his presidency. Despite past controversies, he emerged as a key political player in Pakistan’s power structure.Today, he is often called “مفاہمت کا بادشاہ”, recognizing his political strategy of reconciliation and deal-making.
Asif Ali Zardari played a key role in forcing Pervez Musharraf’s resignation by uniting a political coalition against him. After Musharraf stepped down, AZardari was elected as Pakistan’s president on 6 September 2008. During his tenure (2008-2013), he focused on constitutional reforms, including the 18th Amendment, which strengthened parliamentary democracy. In 2010, Asif Ali Zardari led the 18th Amendment, curbing presidential authority and empowering parliament for a stronger democracy.
Rais Asif Ali Zardari Title Ceremony
On Tuesday, December 30, 2014, Asif Ali Zardari was formally declared the chieftain of the Zardari tribe in a Dastar Bandi ceremony held in Benazirabad. Elders tied a turban on his head, symbolizing his leadership. He succeeded his late father, Hakim Ali Zardari, and was given the title Rais Asif Ali Khan Zardari (رئيس آصف علي خان زرداري) Addressing the gathering, he urged the tribe to unite and uphold their traditions. The Zardari tribe, originally from the Jat community, has deep roots in Sindh and Balochistan, maintaining a strong cultural heritage across generations.
His presidency marked a shift in civilian leadership, and he became the first democratically elected president to complete a full five-year term in Pakistan’s history.
Asif Ali Zardari made a historic comeback by being re-elected as the 14th President of Pakistan on 10 March 2024 through a coalition agreement after the 2024 general elections. His return to the presidency marked a significant political development, showcasing his strategic leadership and ability to forge alliances. With this victory, he became one of the few leaders in Pakistan’s history to serve two non-consecutive terms as president, further solidifying his influence in national politics.
Presidency and Political Career
| Position | Tenure |
|---|---|
| 14th President of Pakistan | 10 March 2024 – Present |
| 11th President of Pakistan | 6 September 2008 – 9 September 2013 |
| Member, National Assembly | 2018–2023, 2024 |
| Federal Investment Minister | 1993–1996 |
| Chairperson, Pakistan Environmental Protection Council | 1993–1996 |
Major Political Events and Controversies
| Event | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage to Benazir Bhutto | 1987 | Rose to political prominence after marrying Benazir Bhutto, who became Prime Minister in 1988. |
| Corruption Allegations | 1990 | Bhutto’s government dismissed; Zardari blamed for corruption scandals. |
| Murtaza Bhutto’s Assassination | 1996 | Tensions with Bhutto’s brother Murtaza; Murtaza was killed by police. Zardari arrested and indicted. |
| Jail and Exile | 1996–2004 | Served time in prison, later went into self-exile in Dubai. |
| Return After Bhutto’s Assassination | 2007 | Returned to Pakistan after Bhutto’s assassination and became co-chairman of PPP. |
| Forced Pervez Musharraf’s Resignation | 2008 | Led PPP to victory in elections and compelled military ruler Pervez Musharraf to resign. |
| Reforms as President | 2010 | Passed the Eighteenth Amendment, reducing presidential powers. |
| Dismissal of PM Yousaf Raza Gillani | 2012 | Supreme Court removed Gillani over refusal to reopen Zardari’s corruption cases. |
| Public Discontent | 2010–2013 | Faced criticism over handling of floods, terrorism, and governance failures. |
| Lowest Approval Ratings | 2013 | Approval ratings between 11–14%. |
| Completion of Presidential Term | 2013 | Became the first elected president to complete a full term. |
| Return as President | 2024 | Became president again due to a coalition agreement after the 2024 elections. |
Presidential Legacy
| Achievements | Criticism |
|---|---|
| Strengthened democracy by completing a full presidential term (2008–2013). | Accused of corruption and cronyism. |
| Eighteenth Amendment reduced presidential powers, shifting more authority to parliament. | Mishandling of nationwide floods in 2010. |
| Strong alliance with the U.S. in the war in Afghanistan. | Public backlash over U.S. drone attacks and military actions. |
| Led a coalition to remove Pervez Musharraf. | Failed attempt to prevent reinstatement of Supreme Court judges. |
| Managed PPP’s victory in 2008 elections. | PPP suffered a major defeat in 2013 elections. |
Benazir Bhutto’s Assassination and Aftermath
On 27 December 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun and bomb attack after a political rally in Rawalpindi. Her tragic death led to nationwide unrest and demands for a thorough investigation.
Prevention of Autopsy
Asif Ali Zardari prevented Bhutto’s autopsy, citing Islamic principles. He and their children attended her funeral the following day. Rejecting government claims that Al-Qaida was behind the attack, Zardari accused Musharraf’s administration of failing to provide adequate security.
Call for International Inquiry
Zardari demanded a United Nations-led investigation into Bhutto’s assassination. Although he agreed to exhume her body for an autopsy if the UN led the probe, Musharraf refused the proposal.
PPP Leadership Transition
In her political will, Bhutto named Zardari as her successor. However, he appointed their 19-year-old son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, as PPP Chairman to uphold Bhutto’s legacy and prevent party divisions. Zardari served as co-chairman of the PPP until Bilawal completed his studies.
Asif Ali Zardari: Legal Battles and Imprisonment
Arrested on 10 October 1990 for alleged kidnapping and extortion, he was accused of tying a bomb to a British businessman’s leg. The Bhutto family called the charges politically motivated. Despite being jailed, he won a National Assembly seat in the October elections. His bail was blocked by a government ordinance, later revoked, leading to his acquittal on fraud and conspiracy charges.
On 25 March 1991, hijackers of Singapore Airlines Flight 117 demanded his release among other demands, but they were killed by Singapore Commandos. After over two years in detention, he was released in February 1993, with all corruption charges eventually dropped or dismissed.
Years Behind Bars (1996-2004)
In 1996, Asif Ali Zardari was jailed after the killing of Murtaza Bhutto, facing murder and corruption charges. He spent eight years in prison without a conviction, enduring trials and political pressure before being released in 2004.
Corruption Accusations
In 1995, Zardari bought a 365-acre luxury estate in Surrey through offshore firms. Renovations halted in 1996, and he denied ownership for years. In 2004, creditors forced a liquidation sale, with Pakistan claiming it was bought via corruption. He later admitted ownership. Allegations include stolen art and grand plans for a helipad, golf course, and polo paddock.
In March 1997, Asif Ali Zardari was elected to the Senate while jailed in Karachi. In December, he was flown to Islamabad under tight security to take his oath.
In July 1998, he was indicted for corruption after Swiss authorities provided documents on money laundering, leading to Swiss charges as well. He was also indicted, along with 18 others, for conspiring to murder Murtaza Bhutto. Following the allegations, Citibank closed his account.
In January 1998, The New York Times published a report detailing Zardari’s corruption, including $200 million in kickbacks from a failed $4 billion Dassault Aviation deal. It alleged $1.5 billion in illicit profits, monopoly grants for bribes, extravagant spending on jewelry, and secret dealings using Western firms and connections.
In April 1999, he and Bhutto were convicted of receiving kickbacks from a Swiss firm hired to curb customs corruption. They were fined $8.6 million and sentenced to five years in prison, though Bhutto remained in self-imposed exile. Zardari, already jailed on separate charges, later claimed an alleged suicide attempt in May 1999 was actually a police murder attempt.
In August 2003, a Swiss court convicted Bhutto and Zardari of money laundering, sentencing them to six months in prison and a $50,000 fine, with an additional order to return $11 million to Pakistan. The couple also faced fraud-related allegations in France, Poland, and Switzerland.
Nicknamed “Mr. Ten Percent”, Zardari was accused of amassing wealth through kickbacks, with allegations tied to Swiss bank accounts, Surrey Palace in London, and offshore assets. However, many cases were dropped or remained unproven.
Exile and Political Comeback
Following his release, Zardari moved to Dubai, only to return in 2007, regaining political strength after Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.
Key Official Visits and Events of Asif Ali Zardari
Economic Crisis and IMF Bailout (2008-2010)
Facing financial collapse, Zardari’s government secured an $11.3 billion IMF bailout in 2008 with strict reform conditions. However, by 2010, the World Bank and IMF withheld further aid due to unmet commitments.
Saudi Arabia and China Visits (2008)
In November 2008, Zardari sought financial aid from Saudi Arabia but was denied due to strained relations. In October, China refused direct aid but pledged support for nuclear power projects and business investments.
United Nations Visit and U.S. Relations (September 2008)
During his first UN visit, Zardari met global leaders and condemned U.S. drone strikes, though reports later suggested he secretly approved coordinated attacks. He also agreed with Indian PM Manmohan Singh to resume peace talks.
Inauguration and Afghan Relations (September 2008)
Sworn in as President on 9 September 2008, Zardari’s tenure began amid corruption allegations and economic challenges. Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s presence at his inauguration signaled stronger regional ties.
His presidency was marked by economic struggles, diplomatic maneuvers, and controversy over governance and corruption.
Conclusion
Asif Ali Zardari remains a controversial figure in Pakistani politics. While his tenure saw significant political reforms and democratic transitions, allegations of corruption and governance failures overshadow his legacy. His return to the presidency in 2024 marks another chapter in his long and eventful political career.