Zardari to return to Pakistan Dec 23: Bilawal
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PPP Co-Chairman Asif Zardari will return to Pakistan on Dec 23, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Sunday.
The PPP chairman, addressing a press conference, said Zardari's doctors had permitted him to make the trip to Pakistan and he would return on Friday, landing in Karachi.
The former president abruptly left the country last year after a hard-hitting speech where he lashed out at the military establishment for overstepping its domain. He had said that army chiefs come and go every three years, but the political leadership is here to stay.
Earlier in Nov, a source in the PPP told Dawn, "After the hard-hitting speech against the military establishment, Mr Zardari chose to go into self-exile in Dubai about one-and-a-half years ago as a clear message was reportedly given to him. Now the environment is conducive and Mr Zardari has announced his return to the country."
Read more: Zardari cautions military establishment for 'stepping out of domain'
Bilawal today was optimistic his party would put up "a strong opposition" against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's ruling PML-N, and said: "We need the great strategic skill of Zardari to overwhelm the Sharif government so that despite their two thirds majority, they will have to implement my four demands."
The PPP has threatened to launch an 'anti-government drive' on Dec 27 if its four demands are not met. The demands include: formation of a parliamentary committee on national security, adoption of a PPP-drafted bill on Panama Leaks probe, implementation of the decision of a multi-party conference chaired by Asif Zardari on CPEC and appointment of a full-time foreign minister.
"If Zardari is in Pakistan, our four demands will be fulfilled soon," Bilawal vowed.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (138) Closed
Dec 18, 2016 05:31pm
Great news.
People who come by the vote of people don't retire. The strength of the political system.
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Dec 18, 2016 05:29pm
Welcome back .....
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Dec 18, 2016 05:31pm
Great, that's when I will leave Pakistan!
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Dec 18, 2016 05:31pm
Let Zardi come to deal with Nawaz for himself. What service has given to the nation as so-called opposition party?
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Dec 18, 2016 05:34pm
@Ali Khan-Dallas ARE YOU SERIOUS??!!! :O
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Dec 18, 2016 05:39pm
What is the health issue Mr Zardari is having that prevents him to travel for years?
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Dec 18, 2016 05:37pm
His doctor advised him that he can now trip to pakistan
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Dec 18, 2016 05:41pm
No please
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Dec 18, 2016 05:45pm
@Hina he is kidding... calm down
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Dec 18, 2016 05:43pm
Since Raheel Sharif has gone so much has changed...
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Dec 18, 2016 05:51pm
For what he will come, no work for him, Larkana already suffered huge garbage and under developed, paid enough during his tenure as Lyari become Jungle, and Sindh Govt run back door under Qaim ali shah. Bilawal let him rest outside of Pakistan, you play in politics.
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Dec 18, 2016 05:50pm
History is about to be repeated???
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Dec 18, 2016 05:57pm
@Hina NO! He is not serious
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Dec 18, 2016 05:58pm
Who want to live in a nation, which has people like Zardari and Sharif as heads of state or government, or even claiming to lead the nation??
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Dec 18, 2016 05:57pm
Zardari will ruin Pakistan. He is just bad news.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:03pm
Goodbye Raheel Shareef.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:12pm
I think PPP will re-emerge and achieve big victory in the next election. PPP is the only opposition in parliament today. PTI has disappointed people and will lose popular support.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:13pm
Here comes the boss..
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Dec 18, 2016 06:19pm
This means there is still something left in the public treasury to be distributed between NS and Zardari.
Otherwise, why would Zardari gain by return to a wretched place like Pakistan from his mansions in Dubai and London??
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Dec 18, 2016 06:24pm
Both parties giving each other protection on the contrary common man is left with poor governance, lack of drinking water, electric power scarcity, lack of quality education, inefficient storage of food staples, clueless political leaders continuing for last many decades refraining to make right decisions at the right time; which is jeopardizing the situation instead of taking the country forward with futuristic vision. Deteriorating foreign direct investments is a clear testimony of insufficient quality job creation whereby human capital development can be accelerated, poverty alleviation, or improving relationship with neighbours. Pathetic sate of affairs!
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Dec 18, 2016 06:23pm
Chalo, hope his return is not out of any NRO or deal.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:27pm
People who vote for these power Hungry politicians need their head examined . You can do much better without them ...Give it try ...inshaallaha Pakistan will be a better place without them
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Dec 18, 2016 06:24pm
After Raheel Sharif all the corrupts suddenly feeling more free
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Dec 18, 2016 06:34pm
Welcome back Mr. president! This is your country and you will stay here to play a more active role in its stability. You need not stay outside the country as it faces several challenges which you have the capability to confront through your dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment. The big challenge the country is grappling with is the Panama scam which has caused political mayhem in the country.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:45pm
@Ali Khan-Dallas, Like Donald Trump? Wake-up, democratic system does not always bring out this best, like Modi, Trump, Nawaz or Bhutto clan. We all know and painfully aware of Mr. 10%, do you think he has changed. People, who know the game are frustrated with any of these leaders but people with very limited vision or with some monetary interest will vote for Bhutto clan again.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:47pm
@Hina, No, he not serious. He may have been one of Donald Trump voter. It is all money game.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:48pm
Good news.
The more he is connected with ppp the higher the chances of ppp downfall .
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Dec 18, 2016 06:53pm
Such a shame. A nation of countless enlightened and intelligent people, could not otherwise spawn anyone better to lead the nation, than the likes of Nawaz, Bhuttos, Zardaris and their ilk!
What they say about politicians, therefore holds true:
" Politics is by its very nature, all about deception and dishonesty. No honest or self-respecting person would want to be a politician."
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Dec 18, 2016 06:51pm
@Asghar Chandio Larkana, Dear Asghar, do you think, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will change the situation of Larkana? Had Bhutto, Banazeer or Zardari changed it? People of Larkana and Lyari are clean hearts innocent people and get deceived by false promises.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:51pm
Zardari is coming back to take his turn now to loot the motherland while NS has amassed enough to last his next few generations and he will retire to London. This was the charter of democracy agreed and now bing implemented. Important thing is to keep the poor public illeterate so that they can be subjugated by vadears in sindh and Ranas in Punjab with help of police funded by poor and illeterate voters.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:56pm
@GAK Wazir Welcome back to start a new wave of corruption and nepotism so that you can serve your family and friends.
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Dec 18, 2016 06:58pm
Welcome back Mr former President. There's a whole lot more that needs to be stolen from this country.
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Dec 18, 2016 07:08pm
His doctor's stethoscope must be intently listening to the political breathing for changes in administrative and political landscape back home.
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Dec 18, 2016 07:08pm
Sad day for Pakistan.
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Dec 18, 2016 07:07pm
PPP must First return the looted national wealth. SC must take serious action to recover the plundered national wealth from PPP.
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Dec 18, 2016 07:17pm
Sharif family has probably brokered a deal to give some relief to PPP\MQM. PPP will make some statements and threats first, once the cases against Zardari, Dr. Asim, and MQM are closed, they will get together and start looting the country again.
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Dec 18, 2016 07:16pm
oh God , what have we done wrong?
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Dec 18, 2016 07:25pm
I can't understand Pakistanis . Don't they understand that to have a person as a leader means to choose a person who is committed to the people of the country who would work tirelessly day and night to deliver for the people. Not people who are weak and egotistical , who at the first sign of a cough or a flutter in the chest fly out to have themselves checked out in a foreign country. Meanwhile the average Pakistani is left to die because of lack of health care. I despair at the Pakistani politicians who have messed up Pakistan for their personal gains. I feel sorry for Pakistan . When will this jehliat end.
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Dec 18, 2016 07:32pm
Both PPP and PML-N politicians are for themselves and control and have no concern of Pakistan or its public. Since these politicians have boats load of money, public continue supporting them. Of course, some small parties like JI and JMu support them also.
Public needs to reject them this time.
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Dec 18, 2016 07:32pm
I guess the worst things from 2016 are not yet over
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Dec 18, 2016 07:49pm
Welcome.Hope u ll put stiff resistance to shareef's bad governance
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Dec 18, 2016 07:59pm
@imtiaz syed When Zardari is under stress and pressure, his health is not good and leaves the country. When that pressure is relieved then he becomes hale and hearty and returns to the country and finds himself fit enough to assume the office of the presidency.
What a joke!!!
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Dec 18, 2016 07:56pm
Straetgic skills ? in what ?
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Dec 18, 2016 08:03pm
@Umar people even the poor ones are not stupid they know these people are corroupt but the system means if they vote for anyone other then the local feudal it will be impossible for them the feudals politicians control the local police and beuracracy. most voters do not have the luxury of choice that is the sad reality.
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Dec 18, 2016 08:05pm
Zardari is coming back to start an ANTI Corruption drive by ppp. Isn't?
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Dec 18, 2016 08:14pm
It was because of the 5 disastrous years of this man's government that I casted my vote in 2013 against PPP & its allies...
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Dec 18, 2016 08:13pm
Knowingly this person is corrupt, if NS govt. doesn't take any action on his civil obligations of the past, then this guy should not be labeled as corrupt person. He should be free. Instead, take action on those who attempt to ruin his name. I think Zardari Sahib should sue those who still call him corrupt.
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Dec 18, 2016 08:28pm
@Pakistani
Good comment
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Dec 18, 2016 08:34pm
In Pakistan law doesn't apply to corrupt politicians.
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Dec 18, 2016 08:33pm
Doctors have allowed him to travel ? That mysterious disease is miraculously cured after the retirement of Gen.Raheel Sharif. AAZardari is coming back to make a deal with Mian Nawaz Sharif, to make sure that our 'democracy' is not derailed and Panama leaks become a story of the past.
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Dec 18, 2016 08:49pm
Today I can recall his statement which he made two years back that generals come and go but we are here to stay and here he is..so true and confident he was
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Dec 18, 2016 08:53pm
Be democratic, if mr. Zardari returns he has right to serve the nation. Let democracy flourish in Pakistan.
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Dec 18, 2016 08:53pm
Relax everyone. Zardari is only coming to Karachi to file his annual tax return. He will depart for London in January, after paying all taxes due, on his hard-earned income.
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Dec 18, 2016 08:54pm
If I recall Bilawal gave 27th Dec. a dead line to Nawaz Sharif to accept 4 demands . So dear father is coming back a week earlier. All 4 demands will be dropped if only charges against close friend Dr. Asim Hussain are dropped. It would n't be difficult for Mian Sharif if in return he gets PPP's support against Imran Khan who is pursuing Panama leaks.
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Dec 18, 2016 08:57pm
@DemocratE1 - 'Serve the nation'?
Like he did the last time, and then took $$millions with him to enjoy at his castle in Surrey, England??
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Dec 18, 2016 09:02pm
If he promises to Dharna against NS then you know who will welcome him at airport...........yes...Imran Khan (man against corruption)
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Dec 18, 2016 09:00pm
There must be some wealth left in Pakistan that Zardari did not see during his tenure and Nawaz Sharif also missed it.
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Dec 18, 2016 09:23pm
Okay. This tells a lot about new military leadership.
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Dec 18, 2016 09:24pm
Then so what?
How was there on his own will and wish as self exiled!
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Dec 18, 2016 09:30pm
Gen. Shareef is gone and now business as usual. Good luck Pakistan!
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Dec 18, 2016 09:35pm
A new entry in the political circus.
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Dec 18, 2016 09:34pm
Welcome back our magician ex prime minister. Please show some majic and grow our country especially Sind more than 5%. Create jobs, build infrastructure, grow industry. Show some love for the country.
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Dec 18, 2016 09:42pm
coming back to claim his share in CPEC ??
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Dec 18, 2016 09:45pm
pakistan will go from bad to worse in zardari and nawaz leadership.
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Dec 18, 2016 09:48pm
@M.Malik : Mr. Malik you are 100% correct.
These leeches should stay out.
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Dec 18, 2016 09:58pm
@imtiaz syed LOL. He always did.
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Dec 18, 2016 09:56pm
Most funny part of articles """doctors had permitted him to make the trip to Pakistan"""
They think we all are idots... Shame to all politicians
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Dec 18, 2016 10:01pm
What are the conditions of the deal agreed with the Government?He is already required to answer many questions under the infamous NRO.
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Dec 18, 2016 10:00pm
@Aha, after successful treatment of militryphbia, Zardari is coming back to take charge of so called Bachcha-Party. Welcome back corruption!!!!
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Dec 18, 2016 10:01pm
Whats the betting that the case against dr asim will be dropped and ayan ali will be released in return ppp will let panamagate be forgotten. IF pml n dosent agree zardari will agitate or threaten to help pti
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Dec 18, 2016 10:00pm
Please dont.
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Dec 18, 2016 10:15pm
He is coming to collect his share. Fasten your seatbelt and keep your stuff safe and secure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Dec 18, 2016 10:18pm
Thank you Raheel Sharif for keeping all the crooks in business of politics.
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Dec 18, 2016 10:20pm
Now both Nawaz Shareef and Asif Ali Zardari will be united again. May God have mercy on Pakistan. Institutions of power has really disappointed the entire nation.
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Dec 18, 2016 10:32pm
May God bring AZ to Pak thru ATR of PIA.
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Dec 18, 2016 10:35pm
Lets wait and see where and when the big eagle will land?
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Dec 18, 2016 10:35pm
@AHA Health is personal cannot be shared. Anyways Zardari's come back is another game changer. There are so many game changers events happening in pakistan, pakistan will soon become a super power automatically.
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Dec 18, 2016 10:40pm
Yes, you need Zardari for greater muk-muka with PMLN, but that will fail now!
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Dec 18, 2016 10:46pm
We have touched a new historic low where our leaders are the kind of people like Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari. I hope that is the lowest point and we will not drop any further.
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Dec 18, 2016 10:57pm
He should come back and answer corruption charges his Govt. did in their 5 years rule.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:00pm
Mr Zardari is known to be a quite clever politician, but can not get rid of his "Mr 10% title". He would need to, one day answer the corrupt practices he indulged in. All of them whether PPP, PMLN PMLQ etc would have to answer, cough up or repay, misdeeds they committed.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:03pm
@Pakistani Modi and Nawaz as same.? That came out as a surprise.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:13pm
Zardari Saheb, you are not welcome at all. Please stay out of Pakistan.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:14pm
he wont come back ... just a gimmick to stay in news.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:17pm
@Rafique ... we don need him neither we never wanted him in past... never ever we wished.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:25pm
" Politics is by its very nature, all about deception and dishonesty. No honest or self-respecting person would want to be a politician."
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Dec 18, 2016 11:32pm
@kanwarch A man learns from experiences and tests. Keeping a citizen in exile is no remedy to corruption. Now Zardari has become mature and he can play an effective role to allay the political severity.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:37pm
5 years of Zardari 's rule only two things flourished , institutionalized corruption and unchallenged , undisputed rule of MQM. He is coming back to ensure that dynastic rule of Bhutto-Zardari clans under the chairmanship of his novice son Bilawal continues, father knows best.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:54pm
The people are awaiting their hero's return.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:55pm
@AHA .... He suffers from uncontrollable fear and anxiety.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:59pm
@pakistan zindabad .... ... He thinks he's the boss.
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Dec 18, 2016 11:58pm
I guess good news for Nawaz , will be easy to do some muk muka .Downside Nawaz may lose couple of billions in the process .
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Dec 19, 2016 12:00am
@ABE ... Isn't it obvious? He wants his son to follow in his footsteps.
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Dec 19, 2016 12:02am
People do not want corrupt leaders! Period!
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Dec 19, 2016 12:12am
May God save Pakistan from the evil of corrupt & self centered political parties. These parties are only interested to mint money through corruption and either deposit them in swiss banks or make fake companies like we saw in panama leak.
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Dec 19, 2016 12:22am
Too many slogans but not enough work to solve peoples problems. How about solving problems to supply of clean water, hospitals, education for all children and unemployment problems for people living in province of Sindh.
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Dec 19, 2016 12:22am
@Desi .... He wants to claim control of the CPEC project as his idea
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Dec 19, 2016 12:24am
Zardari or any other political leader dependence on foreign doctors is a slap on Pakistani Doctors who have better expereience than any foreign doctors.
Why hide political reasons to escape from Pakistan under medical excuse, to blame Pakistani Doctors not capable that they have to go out of the country.
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Dec 19, 2016 12:24am
Welcome back to Pakistan Mr. Zardari. We missed your leadership.
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Dec 19, 2016 01:10am
maybe his return has something to do with the disclosure of money in accounts held in Dubai banks
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Dec 19, 2016 01:26am
He will be back to loot whatever is left !
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Dec 19, 2016 01:31am
People by now forget memo scandal
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Dec 19, 2016 01:38am
Yeah all pakistan's problems will be sorted now! Everyone relax.
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Dec 19, 2016 01:57am
lolzz again political game start now
zardari comes back in next target achieve
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Dec 19, 2016 02:19am
Raheel Sharif retired now country is back in the hand of wolves.
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Dec 19, 2016 02:21am
@AHA the same that Mushraf is having corruption
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Dec 19, 2016 02:45am
PPP has lost all its reputation with Zardari as its leader. Just stay where you have been for quite a while.
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Dec 19, 2016 03:55am
Great democracy in action. LOL
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Dec 19, 2016 04:10am
What was he doing in Dubai for so many years? I think country is better off if he stays abroad.
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Dec 19, 2016 04:21am
Welcome,
Come and eat what ever left in our country.And take what ever u can.
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Dec 19, 2016 04:32am
Corruption and Favoritism are the root cause of terrorism in Pakistan. Both Nawaz Sharif and Zardari have been tried and now we should give chance to Imran.
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Dec 19, 2016 04:43am
He is not going to leave Pakistan alone.
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Dec 19, 2016 05:26am
God help Pakistan.
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Dec 19, 2016 05:35am
Lets make a deal.
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Dec 19, 2016 05:37am
The deal maker
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Dec 19, 2016 05:38am
Welcome ,
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Dec 19, 2016 06:09am
We are sanguine about the prospects of strong opposition with the arrival of Asif Zardari. I really mean strong not friendly (disclaimer).
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Dec 19, 2016 06:17am
@Ali Khan-Dallas - My Dear Ali Khan from Dallas - please enlighten me. What about people who come into power by marrying into a 'political-fuedal' family? Do they also not retire? Did you say that was the strength of the 'political' system - or is it the strength of the 'feudal' system, my Dear Mr. Ali Khan?
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Dec 19, 2016 06:25am
The true leader is coming !!
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Dec 19, 2016 06:34am
@AHA - His health is paramount - unfortunately, it is inversely related to that of Pakistan. He recently suffered from a disease called Raheel Sharif. It is a condition that just cannot be cured by bribes or cutting out deals. Now that it is removed, Pakistan's health will deteriorate while, inversely, the Husband of BB's health will be dramatically revived!
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Dec 19, 2016 06:39am
Welcome, you are the hope for the poor people's.
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Dec 19, 2016 06:56am
Deport this man back immediately.
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Dec 19, 2016 08:07am
Happy Zardari to Pakistani nation. The quorum complete here.
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Dec 19, 2016 08:39am
A corrupt nation is always happy with corrupt rulers. Whether it is the PPP, PML or the MQM it is all the same.
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Dec 19, 2016 08:47am
Taking directions from foreign governments now coming back to Pakistan to implement.
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Dec 19, 2016 08:57am
We miss you Gen. Raheel Sharif. The situation has completely changed.
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Dec 19, 2016 09:23am
Bye bye Mr.Raheel Sharif
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Dec 19, 2016 10:03am
Again 10% in every contract
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Dec 19, 2016 10:23am
@imtiaz syed This is the advice of political doctor.
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Dec 19, 2016 10:32am
@Skeptic then time will come when they are washed out of the system but let not system be derailed surely honest people would come forward. That proved with rest of the world. No worries I A.
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Dec 19, 2016 11:25am
@Ghaznavi Yeah, you really don't understand Pakistanis. These leaders were forced on us, we didn't pick them.
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Dec 19, 2016 11:29am
Great News. Come back and join hands with Nawaz and have loot mar again!
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Dec 19, 2016 12:44pm
I think that at last moment an excuse will come that doctors have not permitted travel due to illness.....lets wait and see
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Dec 19, 2016 01:24pm
@Ali Khan-Dallas And you know what the 'voting' is all about in Pakistan.
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Dec 19, 2016 07:31pm
Asif Zardari should return to Pakistan and face court charges of massive corruption, from Surrey Palace and other properties to secret Swiss bank accounts. The whole world knows he is a corrupt politician.
When the President of South Korea can be indicted on corruption charges, why can't the former President of Pakistan face such accountability? No politician or political party can be above the law.
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Dec 19, 2016 08:37pm
Zardari is coming. Mukmuka ho gaya!! Pakistan Zindabad.
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Dec 19, 2016 10:21pm
@M.Malik
All true Pakistani. They never leave Pakistan.
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Dec 20, 2016 11:14pm
Luck is smiling on zardari.this is all because of departure of Raheel sharif.all the new acts as like compulsory leave of A.D.khuwaja are as the iron man is not on the scene.
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