Asif Ali Zardari facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Asif Ali Zardari
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آصف علي زرداري
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Zardari in 2024
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| 11th and 14th President of Pakistan | |
| Assumed office 10 March 2024 |
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| Prime Minister | Shehbaz Sharif |
| Preceded by | Arif Alvi |
| In office 9 September 2008 – 9 September 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | Yousaf Raza Gillani Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Mir Hazar Khan Khoso (Caretaker) Nawaz Sharif |
| Preceded by | Muhammad Mian Soomro (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Mamnoon Hussain |
| President of PPP-P | |
| Assumed office 27 December 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Ameen Faheem |
| Co-Chairperson of the PPP | |
| In office 30 December 2007 – 27 December 2015 Serving with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Spouse of the Prime Minister of Pakistan | |
| In office 19 October 1993 – 5 November 1996 |
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| Prime Minister | Benazir Bhutto |
| In office 2 December 1988 – 6 August 1990 |
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| Prime Minister | Benazir Bhutto |
| Member of the Senate of Pakistan | |
| In office March 1997 – 12 October 1999 |
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| Federal Minister for Investment | |
| In office 1995–1996 |
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| President | Farooq Leghari |
| Prime Minister | Benazir Bhutto |
| Federal Minister for Environment | |
| In office 1993–1996 |
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| President | Farooq Leghari |
| Prime Minister | Benazir Bhutto |
| Member of National Assembly of Pakistan | |
| In office 29 February 2024 – 9 March 2024 |
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| In office 13 August 2018 – 10 August 2023 |
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| In office 19 October 1993 – 5 November 1996 |
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| In office 6 November 1990 – 18 July 1993 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 July 1955 Karachi, Federal Capital Territory, Pakistan (now Sindh, Pakistan) |
| Political party | Pakistan People's Party |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Bilawal Zardari Bakhtawar Zardari Aseefa Zardari |
| Parents | Hakim Ali Zardari Bilquis Sultana |
| Relatives | See Zardari family |
Asif Ali Zardari (born 26 July 1955) is a Pakistani politician. He became the 14th President of Pakistan on 10 March 2024. He had also served as the 11th president from 2008 to 2013. He was the first president born after Pakistan's Independence.
Zardari is the president of Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians. He was also a co-chairman of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) from 2007 to 2015. He was married to Benazir Bhutto, who was twice the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from 2018 to 2023, and again in 2024.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Asif Ali Zardari was born on 26 July 1955 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. He belongs to the Zardari family, which is a Baloch tribe. His father, Hakim Ali Zardari, was a tribal chief and a large landowner. His mother was Bilquis Sultana Zardari.
In his younger years, he enjoyed polo and boxing. He even led a polo team. He went to Karachi Grammar School for his early education. His official biography states he graduated from Cadet College, Petaro in 1972. He also attended St Patrick's High School, Karachi.
Political Journey
Early Steps in Politics
Zardari's first attempt in politics was not successful. In 1983, he lost an election for a local council seat in Nawabshah. This is a city in Sindh where his family owned a lot of farmland. After this, he worked in real estate.
He married Benazir Bhutto on 18 December 1987. This was an arranged marriage, common in Pakistani culture. The wedding was a huge event in Karachi, with many people celebrating. This marriage helped Bhutto's political standing. Zardari initially agreed to stay out of politics.
In 1988, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq died. A few months later, Benazir Bhutto became Pakistan's first female Prime Minister. Her party won many seats in the 1988 elections.
Involvement in Bhutto's First Government
During his wife's first time as Prime Minister, Zardari mostly stayed out of direct government work. However, he faced some challenges and criticism related to government dealings. When Bhutto's government was dismissed in 1990, Zardari was arrested. He was accused of various wrongdoings.
Even while in jail, he was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan in the October 1990 elections. He was later released in February 1993.
Role in Bhutto's Second Government
In April 1993, Zardari became a minister in a temporary government. After Bhutto was re-elected, he served as her Investment Minister. He also headed the Federal Investigation Agency. In March 1995, he became chairman of the new Environment Protection Council.
During this time, there were family disagreements between Benazir and her brother, Murtaza Bhutto. Murtaza was killed in a shootout with police in Karachi in September 1996. After this, Bhutto's government was dismissed by President Farooq Leghari. Zardari was arrested again.
Time in Jail and Abroad
Zardari spent several years in jail and then lived outside Pakistan. He was elected to the Senate of Pakistan in 1997 while still in jail. He faced many legal challenges during this period.
In November 2004, he was released on bail. He then went to live in Dubai. He returned to Pakistan after Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on 27 December 2007.
Leading the PPP
After Bhutto's Assassination
After his wife's death, Zardari prevented an autopsy, following Islamic traditions. He and his children attended her funeral. Benazir Bhutto had named Zardari as her successor to lead the party. However, their son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, became the Chairman of the PPP. Zardari became the co-chairman to guide the party.
Elections and Coalition Government
Zardari pushed for the parliamentary elections to happen on time. The elections were postponed to 18 February due to the unrest after Bhutto's death. The PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML-N) won the most seats. Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N leader, agreed to form a coalition government. This ended hopes of a power-sharing deal with Pervez Musharraf.
In March 2008, Zardari chose Yousaf Raza Gillani to be the Prime Minister. The coalition government faced challenges, including disagreements over restoring judges who had been removed by Musharraf. Eventually, the coalition agreed to work towards removing Musharraf. On 18 August 2008, Musharraf resigned to avoid being impeached.
Becoming President
Presidential elections were held soon after Musharraf left office. Zardari promised to fight against tribal militants in Pakistan. He had the support of the United States. He won the election with a large majority of votes. He was elected President on 6 September 2008.
First Term as President (2008–2013)
Starting His Presidency
Zardari became President on 9 September 2008. Afghan President Hamid Karzai was a special guest at the ceremony. This showed a desire for closer teamwork between the two countries. Zardari promised to approve a change to the constitution. This change would take away the President's power to dismiss Parliament.
Meeting World Leaders
In September 2008, Zardari visited the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. This was his first trip abroad as President. He met with many world leaders, including U.S. President George W. Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao. He also agreed with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to restart peace talks.
Economic Challenges
Pakistan faced serious economic problems during his first term. The country needed financial help. Zardari asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance in October 2008. Pakistan received a large loan package from the IMF. This loan came with strict conditions, like improving the tax system.
In January 2011, Zardari's government avoided collapse. They accepted economic ideas from the opposition. This helped restore gas subsidies and changed some of the IMF's suggested reforms. In February 2011, Zardari reduced the number of cabinet ministers to save money.
Foreign Relations
With India
In October 2008, Zardari faced criticism for calling Kashmiri nationalists in India "terrorists". The relationship with India was hurt by the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. Zardari's government took action against those linked to the attacks. India asked for the extradition of some Pakistanis. Zardari offered to send a top intelligence official to help with the investigation.
In April 2012, President Zardari visited Dargah Sharif in Ajmer, India. He also met with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
With Afghanistan and the US
Pakistan has a long-standing conflict in its border regions with Afghanistan. Relations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai improved after Zardari became President. The US also focused on a combined approach to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In January 2009, Zardari visited Afghanistan. He promised better cooperation. In March, the US announced a large aid package for Pakistan. This was in exchange for cooperation in the conflict. In May, US President Barack Obama held a meeting with Karzai and Zardari to discuss further cooperation.
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In February 2009, the government in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) declared Islamic law in Swat. This was to achieve a ceasefire with local tribes. Zardari signed the ceasefire in April. But the agreement soon broke down. The Pakistani military then started an offensive in the area.
In September 2010, Zardari and Karzai met in Islamabad. They both agreed on fighting insurgents. After Osama bin Laden's death in May 2011, Obama called Zardari. They worked together on the situation.
Restoring the Judiciary
In February 2009, Zardari's government tried to prevent Nawaz Sharif from running in elections. They also tried to make his brother resign as Chief Minister of Punjab. Zardari faced strong public pressure and protests. On 16 March 2009, Prime Minister Gillani promised to restore Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Chaudhry took his position on 22 March.
Reducing Presidential Powers
In late 2009, Zardari gave up his role as chairman of the National Command Authority. This body oversees Pakistan's nuclear weapons. This power was given to Prime Minister Gillani.
In April 2010, the government passed the 18th Amendment. This was a big change. It made the President a more ceremonial figure. It took away the President's power to dissolve Parliament and dismiss the Prime Minister. It also allowed a Prime Minister to serve more than two terms. Zardari supported this change due to political pressure. After this, Zardari's main power came from leading the PPP.
In January 2011, Zardari signed the 19th Amendment. This helped prevent future disagreements between the President and the judiciary. It strengthened the Chief Justice's power in choosing judges.
2010 Pakistan Floods and Europe Tour
The 2010 Pakistan floods began in late July. Heavy rains caused widespread flooding. A large part of Pakistan was submerged. About 20 million people were affected. This was one of the biggest natural disasters in the nation's history.
During this time, Zardari went on a trip to Europe. He met with French President Sarkozy. He also dined at the British Prime Minister's country home. He faced criticism for traveling while his country was dealing with such a huge disaster.
Zardari returned to Pakistan on 10 August. He visited flood-affected areas like Sukkur and Naushera. He also flew over devastated areas with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
On 22 May 2013, Pakistan and China signed important agreements. These included the long-term China–Pakistan Economic Corridor plan. They also agreed on cooperation in maritime areas and satellite navigation. President Zardari and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang were present at the signing ceremony.
End of First Presidential Term
Zardari finished his five-year term on 8 September 2013. He became the first democratically elected president in Pakistan's history to complete his full term. He received a special ceremony as he left the presidential palace. Mamnoon Hussain succeeded him as president.
Between Presidential Terms
After his first presidency, Zardari became very active in the PPP. He worked to improve the party. In 2015, he became the chairman of PPPP. In December 2016, he announced that he and his son, Bilawal, would run in the 2018 general election.
In 2019, he was arrested in Islamabad. He was later indicted on some charges in August 2020. On 2 September 2017, after the verdict in his wife's murder case, he said he was not satisfied and would appeal the judgment.
Second Term as President (since 2024)
On 3 March 2024, it was confirmed that the Pakistani Parliament would elect a new President. Zardari won the election on 9 March 2024. He received 411 votes from the national and provincial assemblies. His opponent, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, received 181 votes.
He was sworn in as the 14th President on 10 March 2024. He is the first civilian to be elected as President for a second time, though not in a row.
Opposition Reaction
Omar Ayub Khan, the opposition leader, called Zardari's election "illegal". A spokesperson for the PTI party described his election as "unconstitutional and unacceptable."
Personal Life
Family
Asif Ali Zardari and Benazir Bhutto had one son and two daughters. His son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is now the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. His older daughter is Bakhtawar, born in 1990. His younger daughter is Aseefa, born in 1993. After Benazir Bhutto's death, his sister Faryal Talpur became the guardian of his children. He also changed Bilawal Zardari's name to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
His mother passed away in November 2002. His father, Hakim Ali Zardari, died in May 2011. After his father's death, Asif Ali Zardari became the chieftain of the Zardari tribe.
Spirituality
Zardari is known to seek advice from spiritual guides. He has visited Prof. Ahmad Rafique Akhtar, a well-known Sufi scholar. During his presidency, he would consult with his spiritual leader, Pir Mohammad Ejaz.
Health
Zardari has faced some health issues. He has stated that he was subjected to harsh treatment while in prison. He now says he is healthy, apart from having high blood pressure and diabetes.
Images for kids
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Singapore Airlines Flight 117.jpg
Singapore Airlines Flight 117 was hijacked in 1991.
See Also
- Singapore Airlines Flight 117, the hijackers demanded Zardari's release
