‘Fit’ Zardari is back after treatment

President Asif Ali Zardari returned home from medical treatment in Dubai to face rising tension between his civilian government and the military over a memo accusing the country’s generals of plotting a coup.It’s not clear when the president will return to work. He flew into the southern city of Karachi after treatment for a heart condition.Zardari, along with his daughter and personal staff, flew from Dubai to Karachi in a special aircraft that landed at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Masroor Base in the southern port city shortly after 1:00am, local time.Meanwhile, ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lawyers distributed sweets in the premises of the Supreme Court to celebrate the return of Zardari from Dubai after getting medical treatment at the American Hospital there.The members of the People’s Lawyers Forum and Deputy Attorney General Shafi Chandio reached the court with baskets of sweets and distributed them among visitors entering the building.Zardari return spiked rumours and speculations, ranging from his possible self-exile to his suffering from a serious ailment, circulating not only in Pakistan but also around the world. The presidency confirmed that Zardari returned to Pakistan and would stay at the Bilawal House Karachi, the former residence of late prime minister Benazir Bhutto, named after their son Bilawal, for a few days. Zardari’s health condition has improved and doctors have advised him to resume his official engagements but avoid hectic activities. There was intense speculation that the president would not return due to the mounting political pressure on him.The programme of the president’s return was kept secret and officials avoided confirming his plan. They said that his movement was being kept secret due to security reasons. Manzoor Wasan, the Home Minister of Sindh province, told reporters that the President would stay at Bilawal House.However, Wasan said he had no details of Zardari’s itinerary or how long he intended to stay in Karachi.“The president is thankfully fit and healthy and that is why he has returned,” Shazia Marri, information minister for Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital, said.State television showed him at his residence, looking relaxed as he met senior provincial officials. The return of Zardari has ended all rumours and foiled attempts of those who were creating chaos and instability, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said.She criticised rumour-mongers who created political instability and damaged economic activity in the country. She advised the media to play a responsible role.Zardari could be damaged by the memo, reportedly crafted by his former ambassador to the United States, which wants ally Pakistan stable so it can help wind the war down in neighbouring Afghanistan.The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday started hearings into a petition demanding an inquiry into who was behind it. As president, Zardari is immune from prosecution but the controversy could seriously damage him politically.If a link is proven, the military, which has long been distrustful of Zardari, could push for his ouster. Although Zardari’s position is largely ceremonial, he wields considerable influence as leader of the ruling party and his forced departure would be a humiliation for the civilian leadership and could throw the country into turmoil.The PPP officials played down concern the military could move against Zardari.“The government and the military are on the same page. There is no conflict, and there is no chance of any rift between state institutions,” said a PPP leader who requested anonymity.“We don’t want any conflict and won’t do anything which leads to that.” But the military is taking the memo seriously.Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani called for an investigation, saying the memo was an attempt to hurt national security. The army is viewed as Pakistan’s most effective institution. “If it wasn’t for the army, our rulers would have run away with all the money they got through corruption,” said Tasleem Bokhari, 27, a small businessman.