Hakim Ali Zardari: The Political Kingmaker and Father of a Two-Time President
Hakim Ali Zardari (Urdu: حاکم علی زرداری) was a notable Pakistani politician, businessman, and film industry figure. Born on December 9, 1930, in Fatohal Zardari village, he played a significant role in Pakistan’s political and business spheres. His career spanned multiple terms in the National Assembly, influential business ventures, and deep connections with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Business Ventures and Wealth
Hakim Ali Zardari was a prominent businessman with substantial investments in real estate, film, and entertainment. He owned cinema houses in Karachi and Hyderabad and was a key figure in Pakistan’s film distribution network. He also produced a Sindhi film, Soorat.
His financial dealings often came under scrutiny. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) accused him of acquiring a luxury house in Normandy, France, worth $2.5 million, allegedly through undisclosed sources of income. As a result, he was sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment, fined 18.5 million rupees, and disqualified from holding public office for ten years. However, due to health concerns, his house was declared a sub-jail, and in 2007, the Sindh High Court overturned his conviction.
Another financial controversy linked him to a disputed land transaction at Rawalpindi National Park through the Zardari Group. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison and fined 20 million rupees, but the Lahore High Court overturned his conviction in 2002.
Political Career
Hakim Ali Zardari began his political career in 1965 when he was elected to the Nawabshah District Council. He later served as the Mayor of District Nawabshah. A strong supporter of Fatima Jinnah in the 1965 elections against Ayub Khan, he was actively involved in shaping Pakistan’s political discourse.
In 1970, he became a founding member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), aligning himself with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s vision for Pakistan. He won seats in the National Assembly in 1970, 1988, and 1993. During Benazir Bhutto’s first tenure as Prime Minister, he served as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee but faced allegations of corruption and nepotism.
A major scandal in 1990 linked him to a luxury hotel and golf course project in Islamabad. The land, valued between $15 million and $30 million, was controversially allocated for just $930,000 to a company with connections to a London address. This led to legal battles and political turmoil, affecting both his and his son’s political careers.
Affiliation with the Bhutto Family
Zardari’s political journey was closely tied to the Bhutto family. As a founding member of the PPP, he played a crucial role in supporting the party’s policies and leadership. His son, Asif Ali Zardari, later married Benazir Bhutto, further strengthening his association with the Bhutto dynasty.
His daughters, Azra Peechoho and Faryal Talpur, also became influential political figures within the PPP, continuing the family’s political legacy. Through his affiliations, Hakim Ali Zardari remained a key figure in PPP’s power structure, influencing major political decisions.
Imprisonment Tenure
Hakim Ali Zardari was imprisoned multiple times, particularly during the regimes of Nawaz Sharif and Pervez Musharraf. He faced corruption allegations, financial mismanagement cases, and was even implicated in the murder case of Federal Secretary Alam Baloch alongside his son, Asif Ali Zardari.
He was convicted and sentenced in several corruption cases, including the luxury property case in France and the Rawalpindi National Park project. Despite being sentenced to rigorous imprisonment, many of these convictions were later overturned by higher courts.
Death and Cause
In March 2011, Hakim Ali Zardari was admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) due to multiple organ failure. His health deteriorated, and he passed away on May 24, 2011, at the age of 80.
His death marked the end of an era in Pakistani politics and business. His contributions to the PPP, his business ventures, and his lasting political influence continue to shape Pakistan’s landscape.