Introduction
Asif Ali Zardari, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, has had a remarkable and controversial career. Born on July 26, 1955, in Karachi, he rose to prominence through his marriage to Benazir Bhutto, the iconic leader of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Zardari served as Pakistan’s President from 2008 to 2013 and again since 2024, making him a key player in the nation’s political landscape. His tenure is noted for significant reforms like the 18th Amendment, but it’s also shadowed by corruption allegations and legal battles. This article explores Zardari’s life, from his early years to his current presidency, offering insights into his achievements, controversies, and enduring influence.
Key Points:
- Asif Ali Zardari is a polarizing figure, celebrated for his political resilience but criticized for alleged corruption, earning the nickname “Mr. Ten Percent.”
- His marriage to Benazir Bhutto in 1987 significantly shaped his political career, leading to roles as First Gentleman and later President.
- The 18th Amendment, passed during his first presidency, is a landmark achievement, though his tenure faced challenges like economic struggles and terrorism.
- His 2024 re-election as President highlights his lasting influence, despite ongoing legal issues and mixed public opinion.
Who Is Asif Ali Zardari?
Asif Ali Zardari is a Pakistani politician who has served as the 14th President of Pakistan since March 2024, having previously held the office from 2008 to 2013. As the widower of Benazir Bhutto, he became a central figure in the PPP after her assassination in 2007. His political journey is marked by significant achievements, such as strengthening parliamentary democracy, but also by controversies, including corruption allegations that have followed him for decades.
Why Is He Important in Pakistani Politics?
Zardari’s importance stems from his leadership of the PPP, one of Pakistan’s major political parties, and his role in navigating the country through turbulent times. His presidency saw the passage of the 18th Amendment, which reduced presidential powers and empowered provinces, a move widely praised for promoting democracy. However, his reputation is complicated by legal battles and public skepticism about his wealth and governance, making him a divisive yet influential figure.
What to Expect in This Article
This article provides a detailed look at Zardari’s life, covering his early years, entry into politics, presidency, legal issues, business interests, and personal life. Written in simple language, it aims to be accessible to a broad audience, including younger readers, while being optimized for search engines with relevant keywords like “Asif Ali Zardari biography” and “Zardari political career.”
Early Life and Background
A Privileged Upbringing
Asif Ali Zardari was born on July 26, 1955, in Karachi, Sindh, into a prominent Sindhi-Baloch family. His father, Hakim Ali Zardari, was a tribal chief and wealthy landowner, while his mother, Bilquis Sultana, was the granddaughter of Hassan Ali Effendi, a notable Sindhi educationist with Turkish roots. The family’s wealth came from land ownership and businesses, including the Bambino Cinema in Karachi, which gave Zardari a comfortable childhood.
Education and Early Interests
Zardari attended Karachi Grammar School for his primary education and later Cadet College Petaro, reportedly graduating in 1972. He also studied at St Patrick’s High School in Karachi from 1973 to 1974 but allegedly failed his final exams. Claims of a degree from the London School of Business Studies in the early 1970s remain unverified, and references to attending a “Pedinton School” in Britain are disputed, as no such school exists. As a young man, Zardari was passionate about polo, leading a team called the Zardari Four, and even appeared as a child actor in the 1969 Pakistani film Salgira.
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Entry into Politics
Marriage to Benazir Bhutto
Zardari’s political journey began with his marriage to Benazir Bhutto on December 18, 1987. The lavish ceremony in Karachi, attended by over 100,000 people, was an arranged marriage that boosted Bhutto’s political image as she became Prime Minister in 1988. Initially, Zardari agreed to stay out of politics, focusing on his real estate ventures, but his wife’s prominence drew him into the political arena.
Early Political Roles
Zardari’s first political attempt was unsuccessful, losing a district council election in Nawabshah, Sindh, in 1983. However, in 1990, while imprisoned on charges of kidnapping and extortion, he was elected to the National Assembly. During Bhutto’s second term as Prime Minister (1993–1996), he served as Federal Minister for Environment (1993–1996) and Federal Minister for Investment (1995–1996), as well as Chairperson of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council.
Rise in the PPP
After Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in 2007, Zardari became co-chairperson of the PPP, leading the party to victory in the 2008 general elections. His leadership culminated in his election as President on September 6, 2008, with 481 of 702 Electoral College votes, marking a significant rise in the party ranks.
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Role as First Gentleman (1988–1996)
Influence During Bhutto’s Tenure
As First Gentleman during Benazir Bhutto’s terms as Prime Minister (1988–1990 and 1993–1996), Zardari was more than a ceremonial figure. He held key positions, including Federal Minister for Environment and Investment, and was accused of wielding significant influence, with some critics calling him the “de-facto Prime Minister.” His involvement in government decisions contributed to the collapse of Bhutto’s first government in 1990.
Corruption Allegations and Jail Terms
Zardari faced numerous corruption allegations, earning the nickname “Mr. Ten Percent” for allegedly taking 10% commissions on government contracts. In 1990, he was arrested on kidnapping and extortion charges, and in 1996, he was indicted for the murder of Bhutto’s brother, Murtaza Bhutto, though acquitted in 2008. He spent several years in jail, facing charges ranging from bank fraud to money laundering.
Political Controversies
Zardari’s tenure as First Gentleman was fraught with controversies, including his alleged role in corruption scandals that led to Bhutto’s government dismissals. His legal battles in Pakistan and abroad, including in Switzerland and Britain, further tarnished his image, making him a polarizing figure in Pakistani politics.
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Presidency of Pakistan (2008–2013)
Becoming President
Following Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in 2007, Zardari became co-chairperson of the PPP and led the party to victory in the 2008 elections. He was elected President on September 6, 2008, becoming the first democratically elected president to complete a full term, ending on September 9, 2013.
Key Achievements and Failures
Zardari’s presidency had notable successes and challenges, as outlined in the table below:
| Aspect | Achievements | Failures |
|---|---|---|
| Legislation | Passed the 18th Amendment (2010), reducing presidential powers and empowering provinces. | Criticized for mishandling the 2010 floods, being abroad during the crisis. |
| Judiciary | Reinstated 56 judges, including Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, in 2009. | Failed to prevent judge reinstatement protests led by Nawaz Sharif. |
| International Relations | Signed China–Pakistan Economic Corridor agreements (2013). | Strained US relations due to incidents like Raymond Davis and Salala attack. |
| Economic Policy | Secured $7.4 billion IMF loan (2008–2010). | Economic crises persisted, with high inflation and energy shortages. |
18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment, passed in April 2010, was a landmark achievement, reducing the president’s powers to dissolve Parliament, dismiss the Prime Minister, or appoint military chiefs. It also devolved power to provinces, strengthening federalism.
Handling of Terrorism and US Relations
Zardari’s tenure saw increased terrorist violence, including bombings in Quetta in 2013, leading to the dismissal of the Balochistan government. As a US ally in the war on terror, he signed a secret deal for Predator strikes in 2008 and secured a $7.5 billion US aid package in 2009. However, public disapproval grew due to incidents like the Raymond Davis case and the 2011 NATO attack in Salala.
Economic Performance
Facing economic challenges, Zardari’s government secured a $7.4 billion IMF loan but struggled with inflation and energy shortages. Strained relations with Saudi Arabia reduced oil subsidies, and in 2011, he formed an austerity cabinet to address economic turmoil.
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Post-Presidency Political Role
Continued Influence in PPP
After his presidency, Zardari remained a key figure in the PPP, becoming president of the PPP Parliamentarians (PPPP) in 2015. He guided the party through the 2013 election loss and continued to shape its strategies.
Relationship with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Zardari’s son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, became PPP Chairman, and their close partnership was evident in their joint announcement to contest the 2018 elections. In 2012, they visited India together, meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, showcasing their shared political vision.
Recent Political Strategies and Alliances
In 2024, Zardari was re-elected President with 411 votes, supported by a coalition after the 2024 elections. He urged political reconciliation in a 2024 parliamentary address, negotiated to end Azad Kashmir protests in May 2024, and reaffirmed commitment to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor in February 2025 during a state visit to China.
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Legal Issues and NAB Cases
Summary of Legal Battles
Zardari’s career has been marked by legal challenges, as detailed below:
| Year | Case | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Kidnapping and extortion | Acquitted of bank fraud in 1994. |
| 1996 | Murtaza Bhutto murder | Acquitted in 2008. |
| 1998 | Corruption (Swiss money laundering) | Convicted in 1999, fined $8.6 million, 5 years imprisonment. |
| 2003 | Money laundering (Switzerland) | Convicted, fined $50,000, 6 months imprisonment, ordered to return $11M. |
| 2017 | Laundering kickbacks | Acquitted, but NAB challenged the acquittal. |
| 2019 | Money laundering | Arrested, indicted in 2020. |
NAB Investigations
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has pursued Zardari, challenging his 2017 acquittal and indicting him in 2020 for money laundering. These cases are often viewed as politically motivated by his supporters.
Impact on Political Career
Despite legal troubles, Zardari’s political career has shown resilience. He served in Parliament while jailed, led the PPP to victory in 2008, and returned as President in 2024. However, his low approval ratings (11–14% in 2013) and the PPP’s 2013 election loss reflect the impact of these controversies.
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Business Interests and Wealth
Real Estate and Offshore Assets
Zardari’s wealth, estimated at $1.8 billion in 2005, includes properties in Surrey, London, Manhattan, Dubai, and a Normandy chateau. In Pakistan, he owns Bilawal House I (Karachi), Bilawal House II (Lahore), and Zardari House (Islamabad). His Surrey estate, purchased in 1994, spans 365 acres with plans for a helipad and golf course. Offshore assets include $60 million returned by Swiss authorities in 2007.
Public Perception of Wealth
Zardari’s wealth has fueled public skepticism, with the “Mr. Ten Percent” nickname reflecting allegations of kickbacks. The Panama Papers linked him to offshore companies, though specific Pandora Papers references are absent.
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Personal Life and Public Image
Family and Personal Life
Zardari married Benazir Bhutto in 1987, and they had three children: Bilawal, Bakhtawar, and Aseefa. After Bhutto’s 2007 assassination, his sister Faryal Talpur became the children’s guardian. Zardari became chieftain of the Zardari tribe after his father’s death in 2011.
Health Updates
Zardari faced health issues, including a 2005 heart attack, a 2011 “small stroke,” and a COVID-19 hospitalization in April 2025. Diagnosed with dementia and depression from 2005 to 2007, he now manages high blood pressure and diabetes.
Media Portrayal and Memes
Media, such as a 1998 New York Times report, highlighted Zardari’s alleged $1.5 billion in illicit profits. Public actions, like being pelted with shoes at a 2010 rally, have inspired memes, though specific examples are not widely documented.
Public Opinion
Zardari’s public image is divisive, with approval ratings of 11–14% by 2013. Critics cite corruption and mismanagement, while supporters view him as a resilient leader. His 2024 election was criticized as “unconstitutional” by the PTI opposition.
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