KARACHI, Dec 5: Asif Ali Zardari, the interned spouse of Benazir Bhutto, was flown into Karachi from Islamabad on Thursday.

Asif Zardari, who was released on parole for a fortnight, was driven straight to Nawabshah where he was likely to spend the days until Chehlum of his mother who expired in Karachi on Nov 12.

Great importance is being attached to the timing of Asif’s release on parole ahead of Sindh PA session, amid rumours of attempts by power brokers to create a forward bloc in PPP Sindh.

Asif Zardari, who dispelled the impression that there was any deal with the government, could nevertheless play an important role in resolving the simmering differences within the party over candidates for the top slot in Sindh and also with regard to senate elections.

The PPP camp is particularly nervous at the moment because it fears that after failing to compel its MPAs to change their loyalties, the “hidden forces” would try to pounce on some of its weak links when they go their native villages for Eid.

Analysts believe that the current softening of the regime’s attitude could be aimed at creating a perception to make the people believe that Asif’s release on parole is a part of the ongoing secret deal.