Is Zardari next?

After the release of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, it seems that it is now time for former president Asif Ali Zardari.  The government permitted Nawaz Sharif to fly abroad after intense political melodrama and Zardari wants similar relief.

The PPP has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking Zardari’s release on bail over medical grounds. According to the petition, the former president suffers from a wide range of ailments including diabetes and a heart condition requiring immediate treatment.

The party has been pressing Zardari to fly abroad for treatment even though Bilawal has said that the bail petition was filed on the insistence of their family. Sherry Rehman went on to say that Zardari was in a critical condition, while Nabeel Gabol claimed that an air ambulance will be coming for Zardari as well just like Nawaz Sharif.

The party has claimed that Zardari was being discriminated against by not being provided a personal physician unlike Nawaz Sharif  who was being given preferential treatment. These concerns are being resolved as a medical board including a personal physician at PIMS hospital will examine the former president.

Zardari may not go abroad immediately and may prefer to receive treatment in Karachi where he would remain under watchful care. However, the PPP has continue to advocate for the former President’s  release, citing his illness. These requests were earlier turned down but it seems that the courts may finally provide him some much-needed reprieve as well; efforts are being made to transfer the corruption cases against him to Sindh.

Zardari may not go abroad immediately and prefer to receive treatment in Karachi where his party governs the province. It remains to be seen if Zardari will be next.