Asif Ali Zardari

Zardari was born on 26 July 1955 in Karachi, Sindh to a prominent Sindhi-Baloch family, and received his upbringing and education in Karachi.{{cite journal |last1=Riches |first1=Christopher |last2=Palmowski |first2=Jan |title=Zardari, Asif Ali |journal=A Dictionary of Contemporary World History |date=18 February 2021 |doi=10.1093/acref/9780191890949.001.0001 |url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780191890949.001.0001/acref-9780191890949-e-3563 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-189094-9 |language=en}}{{cite news| author=Wilkinson, Isambard| date=4 September 2008| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/profiles/2682828/Profile-Asif-Ali-Zardari-Pakistans-probable-next-president-is-living-the-dream.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/profiles/2682828/Profile-Asif-Ali-Zardari-Pakistans-probable-next-president-is-living-the-dream.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live| title=Profile: Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan's probable next president, is living the dream| newspaper=The Daily Telegraph| access-date=6 June 2009| location=London}}{{cbignore}} He belongs to the Zardari family and is the only son of Hakim Ali Zardari, a tribal chief and prominent landowner, and Bilquis Sultana Zardari.{{cite news| title=Profile: Asif Ali Zardari| work=BBC News| date=16 December 2009| access-date=28 February 2011| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4032997.stm| archive-date=25 November 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125215733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4032997.stm| url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/10/nyregion/c-corrections-014761.html|title=Corrections|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=29 July 2011|date=10 January 1998|archive-date=3 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203124811/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/10/nyregion/c-corrections-014761.html|url-status=live}} His paternal grandmother was of Iraqi descent,{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/174906/hakim-ali-zardari-passes-away/|title=President grieved: Hakim Ali Zardari passes away|date=25 May 2011|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=1 July 2018|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330174920/https://tribune.com.pk/story/174906/hakim-ali-zardari-passes-away/|url-status=live}} while his mother was the granddaughter of Hassan Ali Effendi, a Sindhi educationist with Turkish roots who is known as the founder of the Sindh Madressatul Islam.{{cite book|title=Pakistan Journal of History and Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h-1tAAAAMAAJ|year=1996|publisher=National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research|page=82|quote=The second son Hakim Ali Zardari, left his place of birth, Phatohal Zardari, and settled in the village Mir Khan Zardari village where he started cultivating ancestral lands. He married Bilqees Khanum, daughter of Hasan Ali Memon and grand daughter of the famous scholar Hasan Ali Effendi.}}{{cite book|title=Selections from Regional Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ReUuAQAAIAAJ|year=2008|publisher=Institute of Regional Studies|page=48|quote=On his maternal side, he is the great-grandson of Khan Bahadur Hassan Ali Effendi, the founder of first educational institution for the Muslims of Sindh. The founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, was among the prominent students to graduate from the Sindh Madrassa.}}{{cite book|title=Current Biography Yearbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LKIrAQAAMAAJ|year=2009|publisher=H.W. Wilson|page=623|quote=On his maternal side, Zardari is the great-grandson of Khan Bahadur Hassan Ali Effendi ["Afandi" in some sources), the founder of Sindh Madrasatul Islam, the first educational institution for Muslims in Sindh.}}

In his youth, he led a polo team known as the Zardari Four and pracised boxing.{{cite news| author=Wonacott, Peter| date=5 September 2008| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122058073564902483| title=Zardari set to assume Pakistan's presidency| newspaper=The Wall Street Journal| access-date=22 December 2009| archive-date=17 November 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117140255/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122058073564902483| url-status=live}} His father owned Bambino—a famous cinema in Karachi—and donated movie equipment to his school. He appeared in a 1969 movie, Salgira, as a child.{{cite episode |title=Khabarnaak GC Special |series=Khabarnaak |first1=Aftab |last1=Iqbal |network=GEO TV |date=December 2013}} Zardari's academic background remains a question mark. He received his primary education from Karachi Grammar School. His official biography says he graduated from Cadet College, Petaro in 1972.{{cite news|url=http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/index.php?lang=en&opc=2&sel=2 |title=President Asif Ali Zardari |publisher=gov.pk |access-date=30 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729041135/http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/index.php?lang=en&opc=2&sel=2 |archive-date=29 July 2012 }} He went to St Patrick's High School, Karachi from 1973 to 1974; a school clerk says he failed his final examination there. In March 2008, he claimed he had graduated from the London School of Business Studies with a bachelor of education degree in the early 1970s. Zardari's official biography states he also attended Pedinton School in Britain.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/world/asia/11pstan.html|url-access=subscription|title=From prison to zenith of politics in Pakistan|author=Perlez, Jane|date=11 March 2008|access-date=8 June 2011|work=The New York Times|archive-date=31 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150531074931/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/world/asia/11pstan.html|url-status=live}} His British education, however, has not been confirmed, and a search did not turn up any Pedinton School in London. The issue of his diploma was contentious because a 2002 rule required candidates for Parliament to hold a college degree, but the rule was overturned by Pakistan's Supreme Court in April 2008.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/world/asia/17pstan.html |title=Pakistani legislators face accusations of faking their degrees |author=Ellick, Adam B. |work=The New York Times|date=16 July 2010|access-date=8 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110610221647/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/world/asia/17pstan.html| archive-date= 10 June 2011 | url-status= live}}

Zardari's initial political career was unsuccessful. In 1983, he lost an election for a district council seat in Nawabshah, a city of Sindh, where his family owned thousands of acres of farmland. He then went into real estate.

He married Benazir Bhutto on 18 December 1987. The marriage, which had been arranged, as is customary in Pakistan, was initially described as an unlikely match. The lavish sunset ceremony in Karachi was followed by immense night celebrations that included over 100,000 people. The marriage enhanced Bhutto's political position in a country where older unmarried women are frowned upon.{{cite news|title=Pakistan opposition leader's wedding spurs frenzied protest|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BwBEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1139,5892122|location=Durant, Oklahoma|newspaper=The Durant Daily Democrat|access-date=29 July 2011|date=20 December 1987|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013314/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BwBEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1139,5892122|url-status=live}}{{cite news | author = Weisman, Steven R | title = The Bride Wore White; 100,000 Sang Slogans | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 19 December 1987 | access-date = 3 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/19/world/karachi-journal-the-bride-wore-white-100000-sang-slogans.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510121522/http://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/19/world/karachi-journal-the-bride-wore-white-100000-sang-slogans.html | url-status = live }} Zardari deferred to his wife's wishes by agreeing to stay out of politics.

In 1988, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq died when his plane exploded in midair.[https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/18/world/zia-of-pakistan-killed-as-blast-downs-plane-us-envoy-28-others-die.html Zia of Pakistan Killed as Blast Downs Plane; U.S. Envoy, 28 Others Die] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827000913/http://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/18/world/zia-of-pakistan-killed-as-blast-downs-plane-us-envoy-28-others-die.html |date=27 August 2017 }}, The New York Times A few months later, Bhutto became Pakistan's first female prime minister when her party won 94 of 207 seats contested in the 1988 elections.[http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2241_88.htm Pakistan: Elections held in 1988] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713124908/http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/arc/2241_88.htm |date=13 July 2016 }}, Inter-Parliamentary Union

{{See also|Corruption charges against Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari}}

File:Benazir Bhutto US visit 19890605.jpg in 1989]]

He generally stayed out of his wife's first administration, but he and his associates became entangled in corruption cases linked to the government. He was largely blamed for the collapse of the Bhutto administration.

After the dismissal of Bhutto's government in August 1990, Benazir Bhutto and Zardari were prohibited from leaving the country by security forces under the direction of the Pakistan Army.{{cite news | author = Crossette, Barbara | title = Bhutto Blames Army for Her Ouster | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 8 August 1990 | access-date = 3 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/08/world/bhutto-blames-army-for-her-ouster.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510124804/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/08/world/bhutto-blames-army-for-her-ouster.html | url-status = live }} During the interim government between August and October, caretaker prime minister Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, a Bhutto rival, initiated investigations of corruption by the Bhutto administration. Jatoi accused Zardari of using his wife's political position to charge a ten percent commission for obtaining permission to set up any project or to receive loans.{{cite news|author=Rudolph, Barbara |author2=Anita Pratap |title=Pakistan: The hunt is on |magazine=Time |date=27 August 1990 |access-date=3 March 2011 |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,970992,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120143049/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C970992%2C00.html |archive-date=20 January 2011 |url-status=dead }} He was tagged with the nickname "Mr. Ten Percent".

He was arrested on 10 October 1990 on charges relating to kidnapping and extortion.{{cite news |title=Government arrests husband of Bhutto |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nxhXAAAAIBAJ&pg=1867,1297257 |newspaper=The Spokane Chronicle |location=Spokane, Washington |date=10 October 1990 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013316/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nxhXAAAAIBAJ&pg=1867,1297257 |url-status=live }} The charges alleged an extortion scheme that involved tying a supposed bomb to a British businessman's leg. The Bhutto family considered the indictment politically motivated and fabricated.{{cite news |title=Police arrest Bhutto's husband |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HW1VAAAAIBAJ&pg=4672,4388420 |newspaper=The Reading Eagle |location=Reading, Pennsylvania |date=10 October 1990 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013318/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HW1VAAAAIBAJ&pg=4672,4388420 |url-status=live }} In the October 1990 elections, he was elected to the National Assembly while in jail. Bhutto and the PPP staged a walkout from the inaugural session of the National Assembly to protest Zardari's incarceration.{{cite news |title=Bhutto legislators stage walkout |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8DlDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4801,1976523 |newspaper=The Daily Sentinel |location=Middleport, Ohio |date=4 November 1990 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013320/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8DlDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4801,1976523 |url-status=live }} He posted $20,000 bail, but his release was blocked by a government ordinance that removed a court's power to release suspects being tried in the terrorist court, which fast-track trials for alleged terrorists. The ordinance was later revoked and a special court acquitted him of bank fraud and conspiracy to murder political opponents. He was freed in February 1993.{{cite news | title = Bhutto's husband leaves prison | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 7 February 1993 | access-date = 3 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/07/world/bhutto-s-husband-leaves-prison.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510125514/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/02/07/world/bhutto-s-husband-leaves-prison.html | url-status = live }} In March 1994, Zardari was acquitted of bank fraud charges.{{cite news |title=Bhutto's husband cleared in bank fraud |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nIAUAAAAIBAJ&pg=5050,17885 |location=Toledo, Ohio |newspaper=Toledo Blade |date=1 March 1994 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013319/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nIAUAAAAIBAJ&pg=5050,17885 |url-status=live }} All other corruption charges relating to Bhutto's first term were dropped or thrown out of the courts.

On 25 March 1991, the hijackers aboard Singapore Airlines Flight 117 demanded Zardari's release among other demands. The hijackers were killed by Singapore Commandos.{{cite web |title=History snippets: 1981 Onwards (A Maturing SAF): 1991 – SQ 117 Rescue |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/about_us/history/maturing_saf/v03n03_history.html |author=Choi Kee |first=Choy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805141950/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/about_us/history/maturing_saf/v03n03_history.html |date=4 May 2010 |archive-date=5 August 2012 |publisher=Singaporean Ministry of Defence |df=dmy-all}}

In April 1993, he became one of the 18 cabinet ministers in the caretaker government that succeeded Nawaz Sharif's first abridged premiership.{{cite news | title = Husband of Benazir Bhutto, out of jail, joins the cabinet | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 23 April 1993 | access-date = 5 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/23/world/husband-of-benazir-bhutto-out-of-jail-joins-the-cabinet.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510123629/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/23/world/husband-of-benazir-bhutto-out-of-jail-joins-the-cabinet.html | url-status = live }} The caretaker government lasted until the July elections. After Bhutto's election, he served as her Investment Minister,{{cite news|title=Pakistani President dismisses Bhutto|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nvArAAAAIBAJ&pg=2979,408610|location=Hopskinsville, Kentucky|newspaper=Kentucky New Era|date=1 November 1996|access-date=22 July 2011|archive-date=1 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013319/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nvArAAAAIBAJ&pg=2979,408610|url-status=live}} chief of the intelligence bureau, and the head of the Federal Investigation Agency. In February 1994, Benazir sent Zardari to meet with Saddam Hussein in Iraq to deliver medicine in exchange for three detained Pakistanis arrested on the ambiguous Kuwait-Iraq border.{{cite news |title=Benazir sends Zardari on mercy mission to Iraq |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eoZlAAAAIBAJ&pg=1371,1728600 |newspaper=The Indian Express |location=Ahmadabad, India |date=10 February 1994 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013320/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eoZlAAAAIBAJ&pg=1371,1728600 |url-status=live }} In April 1994, Zardari denied allegations that he was wielding unregulated influence as a spouse and acting as "de-facto Prime Minister".{{cite news |title=Zardari refutes charges of being de-facto Prime Minister |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FIhlAAAAIBAJ&pg=804,3238899 |newspaper=The Indian Express |location=Ahmadabad, India |date=27 April 1994 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013316/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FIhlAAAAIBAJ&pg=804,3238899 |url-status=live }}{{cite news | author = Purdum, Todd S | title = A Clinton and a Bhutto share a joke in Pakistan | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 27 March 1995 | access-date = 5 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/27/world/a-clinton-and-a-bhutto-share-a-joke-in-pakistan.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510153554/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/03/27/world/a-clinton-and-a-bhutto-share-a-joke-in-pakistan.html | url-status = live }} In March 1995, he was appointed chairman of the new Environment Protection Council.{{cite news |title=Bhutto moves swiftly to ensure green future |url=http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.06f0b401397a029733492d9253a0a0a0?vgnextoid=d5c78589b8ee1110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&s=Archive |newspaper=South China Morning Post |location=Hong Kong |date=23 March 1995 |access-date=4 March 2011 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716020556/http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.06f0b401397a029733492d9253a0a0a0?vgnextoid=d5c78589b8ee1110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&s=Archive |url-status=live }}{{cite news | author = Robinson, Simon | title = Bhutto's successor | magazine = Time| date = 29 December 2007 | access-date =4 March 2011 | url = http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1699006,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071230080944/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1699006,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 30 December 2007 }}

During the beginning of the second Bhutto Administration, a Bhutto family feud between Benazir and her mother, Nusrat Bhutto, surfaced over the political future of Murtaza Bhutto, Nusrat's son and Benazir's younger brother.{{cite news | author = Kamm, Henry | title = Bhutto fans the family feud, charging mother favors son | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 14 January 1994 | access-date = 4 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/14/world/bhutto-fans-the-family-feud-charging-mother-favors-son.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510124212/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/14/world/bhutto-fans-the-family-feud-charging-mother-favors-son.html | url-status = live }} Benazir thanked Zardari for his support. In September 1996, Murtaza and seven others died in a shootout with police in Karachi, while the city was undergoing a three-year civil war. At Murtaza's funeral, Nusrat accused Benazir and Zardari of being responsible and vowed to pursue prosecution.{{cite news |title=Bhutto's brother dies in shooting |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S5JUAAAAIBAJ&pg=4955,4903862 |newspaper=Beaver County Times |location=Beaver, Pennsylvania |date=22 September 1996 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013318/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S5JUAAAAIBAJ&pg=4955,4903862 |url-status=live }} Ghinwa Bhutto, Murtaza's widow, also accused Zardari of being behind his killing.{{cite news |title=Zardari charged in Murtaza killing |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g8QpAAAAIBAJ&pg=6532,1842498 |newspaper=The Nation |location=Bangkok, Thailand |date=20 December 1996 |access-date=22 July 2011 |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601013317/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=g8QpAAAAIBAJ&pg=6532,1842498 |url-status=live }} President Farooq Leghari, who would dismiss the Bhutto government seven weeks after Murtaza's death, also suspected Benazir and Zardari's involvement. Several of Pakistan's leading newspapers alleged that Zardari wanted his brother-in-law out of the way because of Murtaza's activities as head of a breakaway faction of the PPP.

In November 1996, Bhutto's government was dismissed by Leghari primarily because of corruption and Murtaza's death. Zardari was arrested in Lahore while attempting to flee the country to Dubai.{{cite news | author =Burns, John F | title =Pakistan's Premier Bhutto is put under house arrest | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 5 November 1996 | access-date =5 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/05/world/pakistan-s-premier-bhutto-is-put-under-house-arrest.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110218203009/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/05/world/pakistan-s-premier-bhutto-is-put-under-house-arrest.html| archive-date= 18 February 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news | author = Burns, John F | title = With goats and gunfire, Pakistanis cheer Bhutto's fall | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 6 November 1996 | access-date = 5 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/06/world/with-goats-and-gunfire-pakistanis-cheer-bhutto-s-fall.html | archive-date = 6 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130506183106/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/06/world/with-goats-and-gunfire-Pakistanis-cheer-bhutto-s-fall.html | url-status = live }}

A major report was published in January 1998 by The New York Times detailing Zardari's vast corruption and misuse of public funds. The report discussed $200 million in kickbacks to Zardari and a Pakistani partner for a $4 billion contract with French military contractor Dassault Aviation, in a deal that fell apart only when the Bhutto government was dismissed. It contained details of two payments of $5 million each by a gold bullion dealer in return for a monopoly on gold imports. It had information from Pakistani investigators that the Bhutto family had allegedly accrued more than $1.5 billion in illicit profits through kickbacks in virtually every sphere of government activity. It also reported Zardari's mid-1990s spending spree, which included hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on jewellery. The arrangements made by the Bhutto family for their wealth relied on Western property companies, Western lawyers, and a network of Western friends. The report described how Zardari had arranged secret contracts, painstaking negotiations, and the dismissal of anyone who objected to his dealings.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/09/world/house-graft-tracing-bhutto-millions-special-report-bhutto-clan-leaves-trail.html|title=House of graft: tracing the Bhutto millions|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=10 October 2001|first=John F.|last=Burns|date=9 January 1998|archive-date=23 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523090112/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/09/world/house-graft-tracing-bhutto-millions-special-report-bhutto-clan-leaves-trail.html|url-status=live}}

Citibank, already under fire for its private-banking practices, got into further trouble as a result of the report. Zardari's financial history was one case study in a 1999 U.S. Senate report on vulnerabilities in banking procedures.{{cite news|url=http://hsgac.senate.gov/110999_report.htm |title=Minority staff report for permanent subcommittee on investigations hearing on private banking and money laundering: a case study of opportunities and vulnerabilities |date=9 November 1999 |publisher=senate.gov |access-date=6 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528131548/http://hsgac.senate.gov/110999_report.htm |archive-date=28 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}

In March 1997, Zardari was elected to the Senate while in a Karachi jail.{{cite news | author1 = Kershner, Isabel | author2 = Mark Landler | name-list-style = amp | title = World news briefs: Bhutto's jailed husband sworn in as Senator | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 30 December 1997 | access-date = 6 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/30/world/world-news-briefs-bhutto-s-jailed-husband-sworn-in-as-senator.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510154059/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/30/world/world-news-briefs-bhutto-s-jailed-husband-sworn-in-as-senator.html | url-status = live }}{{cite news | title = The decline and fall of Benazir Bhutto | magazine = The Economist | date = 22 April 1999 | access-date = 15 March 2011 | url = http://www.economist.com/node/200841 | archive-date = 29 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629213532/http://www.economist.com/node/200841 | url-status = live }} In December 1997, he was flown to Islamabad under tight security to take his oath.

In July 1998, he was indicted for corruption in Pakistan after the Swiss government handed over documents to Pakistani authorities relating to money laundering.{{cite news | title = Bhutto 'corruption' documents reach Pakistan | work = BBC News | date = 23 July 1998 | access-date = 6 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/136259.stm | archive-date = 29 January 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120129092821/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/136259.stm | url-status = live }} The Swiss had also indicted him for money laundering. At the same time, in a separate case, he and 18 others were indicted for conspiracy to murder Murtaza Bhutto.{{cite news | title = Pakistan ex-premier's spouse indicted for murder | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 6 July 1997 | access-date =6 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/06/world/pakistan-ex-premier-s-spouse-indicted-for-murder.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110201091121/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/06/world/pakistan-ex-premier-s-spouse-indicted-for-murder.html| archive-date= 1 February 2011 | url-status= live}} After criminal prosecutions began, Citibank closed Zardari's account.{{cite news | author = Zagorin, Adam | author2 = S. C. Gwynne | title = Just hide me the money | magazine = Time | date = 14 December 1998 | access-date =6 March 2011 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,989807-6,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629024729/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,989807-6,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 29 June 2011 }}

In April 1999, Bhutto and Zardari were convicted for receiving indemnities from a Swiss goods inspection company that was hired to end corruption in the collection of customs duties.{{cite news | author = Dugger, Celia W | title = Pakistan Sentences Bhutto To 5 Years for Corruption | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 16 April 1999 | access-date =5 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/16/world/pakistan-sentences-bhutto-to-5-years-for-corruption.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110221121231/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/16/world/pakistan-sentences-bhutto-to-5-years-for-corruption.html| archive-date= 21 February 2011 | url-status= live}} The couple received a fine of $8.6 million. Both were also sentenced to five years imprisonment, but Bhutto could not be extradited back to Pakistan from her self-imposed exile.{{cite news |title=Bhutto vows she will fight jail sentence for corruption |author=Rashid, Ahmed |url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/bhutto-vows-she-will-fight-jail-sentence-for-corruption-411954.html |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=16 April 1999 |access-date=15 March 2011 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026132526/http://www.independent.ie/world-news/bhutto-vows-she-will-fight-jail-sentence-for-corruption-411954.html |url-status=live }} Zardari was already in jail awaiting trial on separate charges. The evidence used against them had been gathered by Swiss investigators and the Pakistani Bureau of Accountability.{{cite news |title=Benazir, Zardari sentenced in Switzerland |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2003/08/06/d30806011515.htm |newspaper=The Daily Star |location=Oneonta, New York |date=6 August 2003 |access-date=15 March 2011 |archive-date=24 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024092429/http://www.thedailystar.net/2003/08/06/d30806011515.htm |url-status=live }}

In May 1999, he was hospitalised after an alleged attempted suicide.{{cite news | title = Pakistan police accused of attempted murder | work = BBC News | date = 18 May 1999 | access-date = 6 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/346690.stm | archive-date = 30 July 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120730040623/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/346690.stm | url-status = live }} He claimed it was a murder attempt by the police.

In August 2003, a Swiss judge convicted Bhutto and Zardari of money laundering and sentenced them to six months imprisonment and a fine of $50,000. In addition, they were required to return $11 million to the Pakistani government.{{cite news | author = Langley, Alison | title = Pakistan: Bhutto sentenced in Switzerland | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 6 August 2003 | access-date =6 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/06/world/world-briefing-asia-pakistan-bhutto-sentenced-in-switzerland.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100823224955/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/06/world/world-briefing-asia-pakistan-bhutto-sentenced-in-switzerland.html| archive-date=23 August 2010| url-status= live}} The conviction involved charges relating to kickbacks from two Swiss firms in exchange for customs fraud. In France, Poland, and Switzerland, the couple faced additional allegations.{{cite news |title=Play connects Pakistan's past and present |author=Flintoff, Correy |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15479962 |publisher=NPR |date=27 December 2007 |access-date=15 March 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628231637/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15479962 |url-status=live }}

In November 2004, he was released on bail by court order.{{cite news | title = Pakistan police re-arrest Zardari | work = BBC News | date = 21 December 2004 | access-date = 15 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4113611.stm | archive-date = 10 April 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120410223309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4113611.stm | url-status = live }} A month later, he was unexpectedly arrested for failing to show up for a hearing on a murder case in Islamabad. He was placed under house arrest in Karachi. A day later, he was released on $5,000 bail.{{cite news | title = International news briefings | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 23 December 2004 | access-date =15 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/23/international/23briefs.html }} His release, rearrest, and then release again was regarded as a sign of growing reconciliation between Musharraf's government and the PPP.{{cite news |title=Zardari's arrest and release: Eye-opener for 'disbelievers' |author=Zehra, Nasim |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=56538&d=25&m=12&y=2004 |newspaper=Arab News |location=Jeddah |publisher=Saudi Research & Publishing Company |agency=Saudi Research & Marketing Group |date=24 December 2004 |access-date=15 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616060927/http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=56538&d=25&m=12&y=2004 |archive-date=16 June 2012}} After his second release in late 2004, he left for exile in Dubai.{{cite news | title = Bhutto party supporters released | work = BBC News | date = 18 April 2005 | access-date = 15 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4456695.stm | archive-date = 30 September 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090930122256/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4456695.stm | url-status = live }}

He returned to Lahore in April 2005.{{cite news | author = Masood, Salmaan | title = Politicians detained in Pakistan | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 18 April 2005 | access-date = 15 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/17/world/asia/17iht-arrest.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510121456/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/17/world/asia/17iht-arrest.html | url-status = live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan detains opposition figure |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/pakistan-detains-opposition-figure |publisher=Fox News Channel |agency=News Corporation |date=16 April 2005 |access-date=15 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202073919/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0%2C2933%2C153662%2C00.html |archive-date=2 February 2011 |url-status=live}} Police prevented him from holding rallies by escorting him from the airport to his home. He criticised Pervez Musharraf's government, but rumours of reconciliation between Musharraf and the PPP grew. Zardari went back to Dubai in May 2005.{{cite news |title=Bhutto's husband has a heart attack |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/bhutto-s-husband-has-a-heart-attack-1.243005 |work=Independent Online |agency=Independent News & Media |date=5 June 2005 |access-date=15 March 2011 |archive-date=18 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018044714/http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/bhutto-s-husband-has-a-heart-attack-1.243005 |url-status=live }}

In June 2005, he had a heart attack and was treated in the United Arab Emirates. A PPP spokesman stated he underwent angioplasty in the United States. In September 2005, he did not show up for a Rawalpindi hearing on corruption charges; the court issued an arrest warrant. His lawyers stated he could not come because he was recovering from his treatment.{{cite news | title = Bhutto husband re-arrest ordered | work = BBC News | date = 11 September 2005 | access-date = 15 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4235488.stm | archive-date = 8 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160108224628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4235488.stm | url-status = live }} Following a request by the Rawalpindi court, Interpol issued a red notice in January 2006 against the couple which called on member nations to decide on the couple's extradition.{{cite news |title=Interpol issues arrest notices for Benazir and husband |author=Masood, Azhar |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=76917&d=27&m=1&y=2006 |newspaper=Arab News |location=Jeddah |publisher=Saudi Research & Publishing Company |agency=Saudi Research & Marketing Group |date=26 January 2006 |access-date=15 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616060956/http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=76917&d=27&m=1&y=2006 |archive-date=16 June 2012}}{{cite news |title=Interpol issues arrest notice for Benazir Bhutto on corruption charges |url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2006/01/26/afx2478390.html |work=Forbes |agency=AFX News |date=26 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629015907/http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2006/01/26/afx2478390.html |archive-date=29 June 2011 |access-date=15 March 2011}}

When Bhutto announced in September 2007 her upcoming return to Pakistan, her husband was in New York City undergoing medical treatment.{{cite news | author =Gall, Carlotta | title =Bhutto announces date of return to Pakistan | newspaper =The New York Times | date =15 September 2007 | access-date =15 March 2011 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/15/world/asia/15pakistan.html | archive-date =10 May 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130510161518/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/15/world/asia/15pakistan.html | url-status =live }} After the October 2007 bombing in Karachi that tainted Bhutto's return, he accused Pakistani intelligence services of being behind the attacks and claimed "it was not done by militants".{{cite news |title=Terrorists blamed for Karachi attacks |url=http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=197369 |newspaper=Gulf Daily News |location=Manama, Bahrain |date=20 October 2007 |access-date=15 March 2011 |archive-date=12 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612014512/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=197369 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Bhutto targeted on return home |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-reaction-idUSL1843289320071019 |work=Reuters |date=19 October 2007 |access-date=15 March 2011 |archive-date=16 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316150656/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-reaction-idUSL1843289320071019 |url-status=live }} He had not accompanied Bhutto, staying in Dubai with their daughters. Bhutto called for the removal of the chief investigator of the attacks because she claimed he had been involved in Zardari's alleged torture in prison in 1999.{{cite news | title = Bhutto vows to press on with campaign | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 21 October 2007 | access-date = 15 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/world/asia/21iht-21pakistan.7981990.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510150953/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/world/asia/21iht-21pakistan.7981990.html | url-status = live }}

In November 2007, Musharraf instituted emergency rule for six weeks (see Pakistani state of emergency, 2007),{{cite news |title=Factbox-Who stands to win or lose in Pakistani vote |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSP2442 |work=Reuters |date=17 February 2008 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-date=12 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312061842/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSSP2442 |url-status=live }} under the pretext of rising Islamist militancy, a few days after Bhutto's departure for Dubai to meet with Zardari. Immediately after the state of emergency was invoked, Bhutto returned to Pakistan, while Zardari again stayed behind in Dubai.{{cite news |title=Pakistan declares state of emergency |url=http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=4d4c4c95-64ce-46b6-81e2-c7f63a828d4a&k=70068 |newspaper=The Gazette |location=Montreal |publisher=Canada.com |agency=Postmedia News |date=3 November 2007 |access-date=16 March 2011 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628224228/http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=4d4c4c95-64ce-46b6-81e2-c7f63a828d4a&k=70068 |url-status=live }} Emergency rule was initiated right before the Supreme Court of Pakistan began deliberations on the legality of Musharraf's U.S.-backed proposal—the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO)—to drop corruption charges against Bhutto and Zardari in return for a joint Bhutto-Musharraf coalition to govern Pakistan. Bhutto and Zardari sympathised with Pervez Musharraf on his feud with the Supreme Court, but simultaneously criticised the imposition of martial law.{{cite news |title=Bhutto flying back to Pakistan from Dubai: Husband |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-bhutto-idUSISL20505820071103 |work=Reuters |date=3 November 2007 |access-date=16 March 2011 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032039/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-bhutto-idUSISL20505820071103 |url-status=live }} Before the Supreme Court could issue a decision, Musharraf replaced its members with his supporters.{{cite news | author = Baker, Aryn | title = Bhutto to Musharraf: We can still deal | magazine = Time |date=5 November 2007|access-date=16 March 2011|url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1680704,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071106153912/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1680704,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 November 2007}}

In the midst of his exile, Zardari had several different legal problems. In Pakistan, Musharraf granted him amnesty for his alleged offences through the National Reconciliation Ordinance, drafted in October 2007. However, the ordinance faced mounting public pressure and an uncompromising judiciary. In addition, it only dealt with charges up to 1999. This left open the possibility of investigations into his alleged involvement in about $2 million in illegal kickbacks to Saddam Hussein, discovered in October 2005, under the oil-for-food program. If the ordinance was rescinded, he would have had to deal with charges relating to evading duties on an armoured BMW, commissions from a Polish tractor manufacturer, and a kickback from a gold bullion dealer. In Switzerland, Bhutto and Zardari appealed the 2003 Swiss conviction, which required the reopening of the case in October 2007. In November 2007, Swiss authorities returned the frozen $60 million to him through offshore companies because of the National Reconciliation Ordinance. In Spain, a criminal investigation was opened over the money laundering for the oil-for-food program because of the illicit profits handled through Spanish firms. In Britain, he was fighting a civil case against the Pakistani government for the proceeds from the liquidation sale of a Surrey mansion.{{cite news | author = Pallister, David | title = Trail of corruption and kickback charges still in wings for opposition leader | newspaper = The Guardian | location = UK | date = 12 November 2007 | access-date = 16 March 2011 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/12/pakistan.benazirbhutto | archive-date = 1 September 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130901025557/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/nov/12/pakistan.benazirbhutto | url-status = live }} He successfully used his medical diagnosis to postpone a verdict on his British manor trial.{{cite news |title=Doubts cast on Zardari's mental health |author=Peel, Michael |author2=Bokhari, Farhan |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7c186d52-72f0-11dd-983b-0000779fd18c.html |newspaper=Financial Times |agency=Pearson PLC |date=25 August 2008 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=14 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114085141/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7c186d52-72f0-11dd-983b-0000779fd18c.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|author=Waraich, Omar |title=Is Pakistan's Zardari mentally fit? |magazine=Time |date=26 August 2008 |access-date=23 March 2011 |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1836468,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209145748/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0%2C8599%2C1836468%2C00.html |archive-date= 9 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news | author = Perlez, Jane | title = Front-runner in Pakistan has Been ill, report says | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 26 August 2008 | access-date = 23 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/world/asia/27pstan.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510125957/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/world/asia/27pstan.html | url-status = live }}

In exile, he shifted between homes in New York, London, and Dubai, where his three children lived.

On the night of 27 December 2007, he returned to Pakistan following his wife's assassination.{{cite news |title=Nation on a knife-edge |url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/nation-on-a-knife-edge-1.977517 |newspaper=Evening Times |publisher=Newsquest |location=Glasgow, Scotland |date=28 December 2007 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-date=21 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921002250/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/nation-on-a-knife-edge-1.977517 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Assassination of Benazir Bhutto}}

Zardari prevented Bhutto's autopsy in accordance with Islamic principles. He and their children attended her funeral, which was held the next day.{{cite news |title=Thousands gather for Benazir Bhutto's funeral |author=Wilkinson, Isambard |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1573852/Thousands-gather-for-Benazir-Bhuttos-funeral.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1573852/Thousands-gather-for-Benazir-Bhuttos-funeral.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=28 December 2011 |access-date=29 May 2011 |location=London}}{{cbignore}} He denied government allegations that the assassination was sponsored by Al-Qaida.{{cite news |title=Bhutto's son, husband to lead party |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bhuttos-son-husband-to-lead-party/ |work=CBS News |date=31 December 2007 |access-date=19 March 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110203001625/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/29/world/main3656040.shtml| archive-date= 3 February 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news | author = Walsh, Declan | title = Zardari rejects claim of al-Qaida link to Bhutto's murder | newspaper = The Guardian | location = UK | date = 1 January 2008 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jan/01/pakistan.international1 | archive-date = 1 September 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130901104550/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jan/01/pakistan.international1 | url-status = live }} He called for an international inquiry into her death and stated that she would still be alive if Musharraf's government had provided adequate protection.{{cite news |title=Bhutto's son says Pakistan may fragment without vote (Update2) |author=Hall, Camilla |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=ajqWI.ugsmQk |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=8 January 2008 |access-date=19 March 2011}}{{cite news | title = Bhutto's son meets the press | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 8 January 2008 | access-date =19 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/world/asia/09iht-bhutto.1.9097154.html | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110221122854/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/09/world/asia/09iht-bhutto.1.9097154.html| archive-date= 21 February 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news | title = Bhutto's son seeks media privacy | work = BBC News | date = 8 January 2008 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7176743.stm | archive-date = 17 November 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117093349/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7176743.stm | url-status = live }} He and his family offered to accept Musharraf's demand to exhume Bhutto's body in exchange for a United Nations inquiry, but Musharraf rejected the proposal.{{cite news |title=Musharraf: Exhume Bhutto's body |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2008/01/2008525132721110437.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |agency=Qatar Media Corporation |date=13 January 2008 |access-date=19 March 2011}}

In Bhutto's political will, she had designated Zardari her successor as party leader. However, their nineteen-year-old son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, became Chairman of the PPP because Zardari favoured Bilawal to represent Bhutto's legacy, in part to avoid division within the party due to his own unpopularity. He did, however, serve as co-chairman of the PPP for at least three years until Bilawal completed his studies overseas.{{cite news | author = Sengupta, Somini | title = Opposition parties vow to proceed with Jan. 8 election | work = The New York Times | date = 31 December 2007 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/world/asia/31pakistan.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510152841/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/world/asia/31pakistan.html | url-status = live }}{{cite news |title=What's the deal with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari? |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17717208 |publisher=NPR |date=31 December 2007 |access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-date=7 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207220144/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17717208 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2008 Pakistani general election}}

Zardari called for no delays to the 8 January parliamentary elections and for the participation of all opposition parties. Other major political parties quickly agreed to participate, ending any chance of a boycott. Because of the turmoil after the Bhutto assassination, the elections were postponed six weeks to 18 February. In January 2008, he suggested that if his party did win a majority, it might form a coalition with Musharraf's Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q).

{{cite news |title=Zardari says Bhutto's party may work with Musharraf (Update1) |author=Mangi, Naween A. |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aNmpQ6uBXjWI |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=28 January 2008 |access-date=19 March 2011}}{{cite news | author = Gall, Carlotta | author2 = Jane Perlez | title = Pakistan's hopes for election tempered by concerns about fairness of vote | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 17 February 2008 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/world/asia/17iht-pakistan.4.10121095.html | archive-date = 27 December 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181227090658/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/world/asia/17iht-pakistan.4.10121095.html | url-status = live }} He and Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) party (PML-N), threatened national protests if any vote-rigging was attempted.{{cite news|author=Baker, Aryn |title=Pakistan braces for election trouble |magazine=Time |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=19 March 2011 |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1713802,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207100820/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0%2C8599%2C1713802%2C00.html |archive-date= 7 February 2011 |url-status=dead }} He himself could not run for Parliament because he had not filed election papers in November 2008, back when he had no foreseeable political ambition while Bhutto was alive.{{cite news|title=Fahim emerging as next Pak PM |author=Masood, Azhar |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=107095&d=23&m=2&y=2008 |newspaper=Arab News |location=Jeddah |publisher=Saudi Research & Publishing Company |agency=Saudi Research & Marketing Group |date=23 February 2008 |access-date=19 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616061005/http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=107095&d=23&m=2&y=2008 |archive-date=16 June 2012 }}

The PPP and the PML-N won the largest and second largest number of seats respectively in the February elections. He and Sharif agreed to form a coalition government, ending American hopes of a power-sharing deal between him and Musharraf. They agreed to restore the judiciary, but Zardari took a less stringent stance than Sharif.{{cite news | author = Perlez, Jane | title = Pakistan rivals join to fight Musharraf | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 10 March 2008 | access-date = 20 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/world/asia/10pstan.html | archive-date = 11 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090411111653/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/world/asia/10pstan.html | url-status = live }} He met with U.S. ambassador Anne W. Patterson, who pushed for a pact with Musharraf.{{cite news | author = Bowley, Graham | title = 2 Pakistani opposition parties vow to form coalition | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 21 February 2008 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/world/asia/21iht-pakistan.4.10280840.html | archive-date = 14 May 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220514043503/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/world/asia/21iht-pakistan.4.10280840.html | url-status = live }} To strengthen the new coalition, he reached out to Awami National Party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, and Baloch nationalist leaders, who had all boycotted the elections.{{cite news | title = Pakistan coalition promises benefits | work = BBC News | date = 23 February 2008 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7259262.stm | archive-date = 30 September 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090930155404/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7259262.stm | url-status = live }}{{cite news | title = Pakistan victors mull coalition | work = BBC News | date = 21 February 2008 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7256107.stm | archive-date = 25 February 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080225222326/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7256107.stm | url-status = live }}

After weeks of speculation and party infighting, he said he did not want to become prime minister.{{cite news |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/330129/1/.html |title=Bhutto's widower alleges post-poll rigging in Pakistan |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |location=Singapore |agency=MediaCorp |date=21 February 2008 |access-date=6 August 2010 |archive-date=28 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628192405/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/330129/1/.html |url-status=live }} In mid-March 2008, he chose Yousaf Raza Gillani for prime minister in a snub to the more politically powerful Makhdoom Amin Fahim.{{cite news | author = Perlez, Jane | title = Pakistani party's leader chooses a Prime Minister | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 23 March 2008 | access-date = 19 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/world/asia/23pstan.html | archive-date = 11 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090411111648/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/world/asia/23pstan.html | url-status = live }}

{{See also|Movement to impeach Pervez Musharraf}}

He and Sharif agreed in a 9 March 2008 agreement, known as the Murree Declaration, to the reinstatement by 30 April 2008 of 60 judges previously sacked by Musharraf.{{cite news |title=Sharif's Party pulls out of Pakistan government |author=Haider, Kamran |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSISL256720 |work=Reuters |date=12 May 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=24 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080524084634/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSISL256720 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Sharif says Zardari risks losing support over judges (Update 1)|author=Qayum, Khalid|author2=Rupert, James |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=atwepgHQK7IA |publisher=Bloomberg|date=20 January 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011}} The deadline was later extended to 12 May. He and Sharif held unsuccessful talks at London in May. After the coalition failed to restore the judiciary, the PML-N withdrew from the government in mid-May, pulling its ministers out of the cabinet.{{cite news |title=Pakistani party quits cabinet over justices |author=Constable, Pamela |author-link=Pamela Constable |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/12/AR2008051200089.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=13 May 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212160823/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/12/AR2008051200089.html |url-status=live }} The coalition regrouped, again with the PML-N, and proposed a constitutional amendment that would remove the power of the President to dismiss Parliament.{{cite news | title = Move to slash Musharraf's powers | work = BBC News | date = 24 May 2008 | access-date = 20 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7418699.stm | archive-date = 8 January 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160108224628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7418699.stm | url-status = live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan Peoples Party moves to reduce Musharraf's powers |author=Rupert, James |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a5F9MUsCu.fo |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=24 May 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011}} By late May, the coalition was set in a confrontation with Musharraf. At the same time, the government was successful in getting Pakistan readmitted to the Commonwealth.{{cite news |last=Haider |first=Kamran |date=13 March 2008 |title=Pakistan's coalition rocked as Sharif pulls out |url=http://news.scotsman.com/world/Pakistan39s-coalition-rocked--.4075349.jp |newspaper=The Scotsman |location=Edinburgh |publisher=Johnston Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708215937/http://news.scotsman.com/world/Pakistan39s-coalition-rocked--.4075349.jp |archive-date=8 July 2008 |access-date=21 March 2011}}

He and Sharif met in Lahore in June 2008 to discuss Musharraf's removal and the constitutional amendments, which the PML-N viewed as not going far enough to fulfill the Murree declaration. He opposed impeachment calls because he claimed the coalition did not have the two-thirds majority in both legislative bodies—National Assembly and Senate.{{cite news |title=Musharraf to be replaced soon: Bhutto's widower |author=Anthony, Augustine |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAISL23944520080620 |agency=Reuters Canada |date=20 June 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025083054/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAISL23944520080620 |url-status=dead }} He was unwilling to restore the judiciary as divisions in the coalition grew and popular sentiment shifted towards Sharif.{{cite news |title=Pakistan: Supporters protest decision to bar Sharif from election |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-06-24-pakistan-politics_N.htm |newspaper=USA Today |date=24 January 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021061647/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-06-24-pakistan-politics_N.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Sharif barred from election |url=http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=221143 |newspaper=Gulf Daily News |location=Manama, Bahrain |date=24 June 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=12 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612014517/http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=221143 |url-status=live }} The coalition criticised the government for barring Sharif from competing in the June by-elections.{{cite news | author = Perlez, Jane | title = Pakistan court bars Sharif from election | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 20 March 2008 | access-date =20 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/world/asia/24sharif.htm }} Because of the impasses over Musharraf and the judiciary, the coalition could not address rising food shortages and spiraling inflation, which was the highest in 30 years.

In August 2008, Zardari relented, and the coalition agreed to proceed full speed towards Musharraf's impeachment by drafting a charge-sheet against him. The coalition charged him with high treason for the 1999 coup and the imposition of martial law.{{cite news|author=Waraich, Omar |title=Musharraf in the crosshairs |magazine=Time |date=7 August 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1830353,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210163110/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0%2C8599%2C1830353%2C00.html |archive-date=10 February 2011 |url-status=dead }} He warned Musharraf against dismissing Parliament, and the coalition selected Gillani instead of Musharraf to represent Pakistan at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.{{cite news |title=Coalition to impeach Musharraf |author=Masood, Azhar |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=112535&d=8&m=8&y=2008 |newspaper=Arab News |location=Jeddah |publisher=Saudi Research & Publishing Company |agency=Saudi Research & Marketing Group |date=7 August 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616061012/http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=112535&d=8&m=8&y=2008 |archive-date=16 June 2012}}{{cite news |title=Zardari warns Musharraf against government dismissal |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-musharraf-dismissal-idUSISL10945220080807 |work=Reuters |date=7 August 2008 |access-date=20 March 2011 |archive-date=14 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314085327/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-musharraf-dismissal-idUSISL10945220080807 |url-status=live }} On 18 August, Musharraf resigned in order to avoid impeachment. Although Zardari favoured granting Musharraf immunity from prosecution, the coalition could not agree on a decision.{{cite news | title = 'No deal yet' in Musharraf talks | work = BBC News | date = 19 August 2008 | access-date = 21 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7569311.stm | archive-date = 17 November 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117094641/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7569311.stm | url-status = live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan: Exit the President |url=http://www.economist.com/node/11965344 |magazine=The Economist |publisher=Economist Group |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=22 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629200125/http://www.economist.com/node/11965344| archive-date= 29 June 2011 | url-status= live}} The coalition also could not reach a united stance on the future of the judiciary.{{cite news |title=Musharraf's ouster tests coalition as focus shifts (Update 2) |author=Khaleeq, Ahmed |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aG1vvK4wjt9Q |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=19 August 2008 |access-date=21 March 2011}}{{cite news |title=Cracks in Pakistan coalition day after Musharraf quits |author=Haider, Kamran |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-35085620080819?pageNumber=1 |agency=Reuters India |date=19 August 2008 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-date=7 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307042619/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-35085620080819?pageNumber=1 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|2008 Pakistani presidential election}}

Presidential elections were held within three weeks after the departure of Musharraf.{{cite news | title = Pakistan bombing underscores risks to Zardari presidency | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 7 September 2008 | access-date = 22 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/world/asia/07iht-pakistan.4.15953987.html | archive-date = 10 May 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510154437/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/world/asia/07iht-pakistan.4.15953987.html | url-status = live }} Zardari vowed to pursue an unpopular campaign against tribal militancy in Pakistan and had the support of the United States.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Zardari urged to change image and focus |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-papers-idUSISL23097620080907 |work=Reuters |date=7 September 2008 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=22 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122211802/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-papers-idUSISL23097620080907 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Husband of slain Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari, becomes new president of Pakistan at crucial time |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/husband-slain-benazir-bhutto-asif-ali-zardari-new-president-pakistan-crucial-time-article-1.320259 |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York City |agency=Associated Press |date=6 September 2008 |access-date=22 March 2011 |archive-date=3 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603095651/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/husband-slain-benazir-bhutto-asif-ali-zardari-new-president-pakistan-crucial-time-article-1.320259 |url-status=live }} He claimed he had a London business school degree to satisfy a prerequisite for the presidency, but his party did not produce a certificate.{{cite news | author = Graham, Stephen | title = Zardari marked by legal woes, tragedy | newspaper = Boston Globe | agency = Associated Press | date = 7 September 2008 | access-date = 22 March 2011 | url = http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2008/09/07/zardari_has_been_marked_by_legal_woes_and_tragedy/ | archive-date = 3 November 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121103044516/http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2008/09/07/zardari_has_been_marked_by_legal_woes_and_tragedy/ | url-status = live }} He was endorsed by the PPP and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) for the presidency.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7575958.stm |title=Zardari nominated to be president |work=BBC News |date=22 August 2008 |access-date=6 August 2010 |archive-date=12 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112101045/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7575958.stm |url-status=live }} The PML-N nominated former justice Saeed-uz-Zaman Siddiqui, while the PML-Q put forth Mushahid Hussain Sayed.{{cite news |title=Pakistan Peoples Party lawmakers want Zardari to be President |author=Qayum, Khalid |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a_18fzjk4jU0 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=20 August 2008 |access-date=22 March 2011}}{{cite news |title=Bhutto widower Zardari elected Pakistan's new president |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/09/06/pakistan.presidential.election/ |publisher=CNN |agency=Time Warner |date=6 September 2008 |access-date=22 March 2011}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Zardari won a majority in the Electoral College with 481 of 702 votes.{{efn|The Electoral College is composed of the Senate, the National Assembly, and the four provincial assemblies. The parliamentary lower house National Assembly has 342 seats. The upper house Senate has 100 seats. The four provincial assemblies are Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan respectively. The assemblies have total of 1170 seats, but the number of Electoral College votes is 702 since provincial assembly votes are counted on a proportional basis. A person needs to win 352 votes to obtain a majority.}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7600917.stm |title=Bhutto's widower wins presidency |work=BBC News |date=6 September 2008 |access-date=6 August 2010 |archive-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710230822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7600917.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news | title = Pakistan: Political structure | magazine = The Economist | publisher = Economist Group | date = 21 October 2008 | access-date = 24 March 2011 | url = http://www.economist.com/node/12412134 | archive-date = 26 November 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111126030025/http://www.economist.com/node/12412134 | url-status = live }} He was elected president on 6 September 2008.{{efn|The President serves for five years.}}{{cite news | author = Orr, James | title = Civilian rule returns to Pakistan as Asif Ali Zardari becomes President | newspaper = The Guardian | location = UK | date = 9 September 2008 | access-date = 21 March 2011 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/sep/09/pakistan.benazirbhutto | archive-date = 2 September 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130902225249/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/sep/09/pakistan.benazirbhutto | url-status = live }}{{cite news |url= https://mobile.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/magazine/05zardari-t.html |title= Can Pakistan Be Governed? And Is Asif Ali Zardari the Man to Do the Job? |author= James Traub |work= The New York Times Magazine |date= 31 March 2009 |access-date= 2 August 2017 |archive-date= 2 August 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170802001319/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/magazine/05zardari-t.html |url-status= live }}

At the inauguration on 9 September 2008, Afghan President Hamid Karzai was a guest of honour, which was a signal for much closer cooperation between the two nations in addressing the tribal insurgency along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.{{cite news |title=Zardari and Karzai show solidarity |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2008/09/09/good-intentions.html |magazine=Newsweek |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=26 March 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930123021/http://www.newsweek.com/2008/09/09/good-intentions.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news | author = Perlez, Jane | title = Widower of Bhutto takes office in Pakistan | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 9 September 2008 | access-date = 26 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/world/asia/10pstan.html | archive-date = 12 February 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200212151432/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/world/asia/10pstan.html | url-status = live }} After the election, Zardari promised to approve the constitutional provision that removed the President's power to dismiss Parliament, but public scepticism remained on whether he would actually carry out his promise. His economic competence was questioned after allegations that he had raised grain procurement prices through inflationary subsidies and scrapped the capital gains tax.{{cite news | author = Perlez, Jane | title = Bhutto widower with clouded past is set to lead | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 4 September 2008 | access-date = 26 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/world/asia/05zardari.html | archive-date = 22 January 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120122073456/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/world/asia/05zardari.html? | url-status = live }} His first parliamentary speech was overshadowed by 20 September Islamabad Marriott Hotel bombing.{{cite news |title=Pakistan and America: How to beat the terrorists? |url=http://www.economist.com/node/12284547 |magazine=The Economist |publisher=Economist Group |date=23 September 2008 |access-date=23 March 2011 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023065928/http://www.economist.com/node/12284547 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Blast kills dozens in Pakistan |author=Hussain, Shaiq |author2=Constable, Pamela |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/20/AR2008092000910.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=21 September 2008 |access-date=23 March 2011 |archive-date=18 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418162050/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/20/AR2008092000910.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news | author = Pir Zubair Shah | author2 = Wafa, Abdul Waheed | title = Pakistani leaders narrowly escaped hotel blast, official Says | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 22 September 2008 | access-date = 23 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/world/asia/22iht-pakistan.4.16380918.html | archive-date = 26 October 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101026170436/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/22/world/asia/22iht-pakistan.4.16380918.html | url-status = live }} A few days later, he went to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City on his first overseas trip as president.{{cite news |title=Zardari sworn in as Pakistan President |author=Masood, Azhar |newspaper=Arab News |location=Jeddah |publisher=Saudi Research & Publishing Company |agency=Saudi Research & Marketing Group |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=114075&d=10&m=9&y=2008 |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=26 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616061056/http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=114075&d=10&m=9&y=2008 |archive-date=16 June 2012}}

File:Bush and Zardari 2008-9-23.jpgFile:Dmitry Medvedev in Tajikistan 30 July 2009-2.jpg, Dmitry Medvedev and Hamid Karzai|left]]

{{See also|Pakistan and the United Nations}}

From 23 to 26 September 2008, he met with various foreign leaders, including U.S. President George W. Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao.{{cite news |title=Bush, Zardari discuss U.S. incursions in Pakistan |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-09-23-bush-un_N.htm |work=USA Today |date=23 September 2008 |access-date=27 March 2011 |archive-date=21 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021060859/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-09-23-bush-un_N.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |agency=Bloomberg L.P |author=Gienger, Viola |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aYL9Y2gi7BvI |title=Zardari wins support of global coalition on terrorism, economy |date=26 September 2008 |access-date=27 March 2011}}{{cite news |title=Rice sees promising Pakistan-Afghanistan rapport |author=Eckert, Paul |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-usa-rice-interview-idUSTRE48P81Z20080926 |work=Reuters |date=26 September 2008 |access-date=27 March 2011 |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410124521/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-usa-rice-interview-idUSTRE48P81Z20080926 |url-status=live }} He suffered political embarrassment by flirting with U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and making tongue-in-cheek comments about her.{{cite news| author=Zernike, Kate| title=Palin has meetings for a second day with foreign leaders| newspaper=The New York Times| date=24 September 2008| access-date=27 February 2011| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/us/politics/25palin.html| archive-date=12 May 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512052629/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/us/politics/25palin.html| url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=Waraich, Omar| title=How Sarah Palin rallied Pakistan's feminists| magazine=Time | date=26 September 2008| access-date=1 March 2011| url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1844925,00.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927160710/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1844925,00.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=27 September 2008}}{{cite news| title=Flirting with Palin earns Pakistani President a fatwa| work=The Christian Science Monitor| date=2 October 2008| access-date=1 March 2011| url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2008/1002/p04s01-wosc.html| archive-date=17 March 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317033817/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2008/1002/p04s01-wosc.html| url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/10/02/2008-10-02_pakistan_president_asif_ali_zardari_subj.html|title=Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari |last=Saltonstall |first=David |date=2 October 2008 |newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=7 October 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081006051536/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/10/02/2008-10-02_pakistan_president_asif_ali_zardari_subj.html| archive-date= 6 October 2008 | url-status= live| location=New York}} Although, at the United Nations General Assembly, he publicly condemned U.S drone attacks in Pakistan,{{cite news |title=Pakistan warns U.S. to stay off its turf |author=Brummitt, Chris |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Pakistan-warns-U-S-to-stay-off-its-turf-3193476.php |newspaper=San Francisco Gate |date=27 September 2008 |access-date=27 March 2011 |archive-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718044922/http://articles.sfgate.com/2008-09-27/news/17160133_1_president-asif-ali-zardari-pakistani-government-spokesman-pakistan-s-policy |url-status=live }} The Washington Post reported that he had signed a "secret deal" when he met with senior American officials that arranged for the coordination of Predator strikes and a jointly approved list of prominent targets.{{cite news |title=A quiet deal with Pakistan |author=Ignatius, David |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/03/AR2008110302638.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=27 March 2011 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107092057/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/03/AR2008110302638.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news | title = The war in Pakistan: Predator and prey | magazine = The Economist | publisher = Economist Group | date = 6 November 2008 | access-date = 27 March 2011 | url = http://www.economist.com/node/12566901 | archive-date = 20 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120220215618/http://www.economist.com/node/12566901 | url-status = live }} He and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed to resume peace talks by the end of 2008.{{cite news |title=India, Pakistan leaders agree to resume talks |author=Eckert, Paul |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-35638620080925 |agency=Reuters India |date=24 September 2008 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=7 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307094957/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-35638620080925 |url-status=dead }}

{{See also|Periods of stagflation in Pakistan}}

From 14 to 17 October 2008, he was in China{{cite news |first=Xiao |last=Yang |date=16 October 2008 |title=Zardari's visit cements all-weather partnership |url=http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-10/16/content_7110177.htm |newspaper=China Daily |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207190441/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-10/16/content_7110177.htm |archive-date=7 February 2009 |access-date=28 March 2011}} to negotiate foreign aid, as Pakistan faced the possibility of defaulting on its payments.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Zardari looks to China for support |first=Chris |last=Buckley |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pakistan-idUSTRE49E4GG20081015 |work=Reuters |date=15 October 2008 |access-date=28 March 2011 |archive-date=12 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312062226/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-pakistan-idUSTRE49E4GG20081015 |url-status=live }} China refused to offer any aid commitments, but instead promised to provide assistance in the development of two nuclear power plants and more future business investments.{{cite news | author = Perlez, Jane | title = Rebuffed by China, Pakistan May Seek I.M.F. Aid | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 18 October 2008 | access-date = 28 March 2011 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/world/asia/19zardari.html | archive-date = 24 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090424160836/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/world/asia/19zardari.html | url-status = live }}

After Saudi Arabia, Britain, China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates refused to provide any bailout,{{cite news | author = Waraich, Omar | title = Time and money running out for Pakistan | magazine = Time | date = 25 October 2008 | access-date =7 April 2011 | url = http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1852847,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081025232711/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1852847,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 25 October 2008 |agency=Associated Press}} he officially asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance in solving Pakistan's balance of payments problem on 22 October.{{cite news | author = Mufti, Shahan | title = Cash-strapped Pakistan finds few friends in time of economic need | work = The Christian Science Monitor | date = 23 October 2008 | access-date = 7 April 2011 | url = http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2008/1023/p04s01-wosc.html | archive-date = 31 January 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110131072358/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2008/1023/p04s01-wosc.html | url-status = live }}

He went to Saudi Arabia from 4 to 6 November in hopes of obtaining financial aid and securing trade agreements.

{{cite news|title=Zardari seeks Saudi help to tide over crisis |author=Rasooldeen |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=1 |newspaper=Arab News |date=5 November 2008 |access-date=9 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616061137/http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=1 |archive-date=16 June 2012 }}{{cite news | author = Khan, M. Ilyas | title = Zardari in talks with Saudi king | work = BBC News | date = 5 November 2008 | access-date = 9 April 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7710017.stm | archive-date = 18 October 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091018191930/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7710017.stm | url-status = live }} However, leaked cables revealed increasingly strained relations between Zardari and Saudi royalty, primarily because of Saudi distrust of Zardari and preference for Sharif.{{cite news |title=Wikileaks reveals tensions between Pakistan, Saudis |author=Bokhari, Farhan |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wikileaks-reveals-tensions-between-pakistan-saudis/ |work=CBS News |date=5 December 2010 |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-date=22 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122034239/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20024656-503543.html |url-status=live }} Weaker cooperation led to decreased oil subsidies as part of a broader Saudi policy of withholding monetary assistance.{{cite news |author=Walsh, Declan | title=Wikileaks cables: Saudi Arabia wants military rule in Pakistan |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK | date = 1 December 2010 | access-date =9 April 2011 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/dec/01/saudis-distrust-pakistan-embassy-cables | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110414052833/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/01/saudis-distrust-pakistan-embassy-cables| archive-date= 14 April 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite magazine | author = Tharoor, Ishaan | title = WikiLeaks Reveals Saudi Arabia's role in Pakistani affairs |magazine=Time | date = 6 December 2010 | access-date =9 April 2011 | url = http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2035347,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101208030416/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2035347,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 8 December 2010 }}

In mid-November 2008, Zardari's government officially sent a letter of intent to the IMF regarding a bailout to help increase its foreign exchange reserves.{{cite news |title=President Zardari says Pakistan won't use nuclear weapons first |first=Pratik |last=Parija |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aLr2nNoMNfC4 |agency=Bloomberg |date=22 November 2008 |access-date=9 April 2011}} In a $11.3 billion multi-year loan package, Pakistan received a $7.4 billion loan for 2008–10.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Zardari urges support to stabilise country |author1=Linda Seig |author2=Hugh Lawson |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-aid-zardari-idUKTRE53G05820090417 |agency=Reuters UK |date=16 April 2009 |access-date=16 May 2011 |archive-date=8 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308180325/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-aid-zardari-idUKTRE53G05820090417 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Prolonged turmoil could create Pakistan banking crisis |author=Raghuvanshi, Gaurav |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704723104576062793024696406 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |agency=News Corporation |date=5 January 2011 |access-date=14 June 2011 |archive-date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517033653/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704723104576062793024696406 |url-status=live }} The IMF stipulated stringent reform conditions, which included rebuilding the tax structure and privatising state enterprises. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank withheld a combined $3 billion aid in the 2010–11 fiscal year and the IMF withheld since May 2010 the last segment of its aid package.

In January 2011, the MQM withdrew from the government.{{cite news |title=Defection hobbles Pakistan leader |author=Wright, Tom |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704835504576059621949090978 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |agency=News Corporation |date=14 June 2011 |access-date=3 January 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110125161117/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704835504576059621949090978.html| archive-date= 25 January 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |title=Pakistani government in turmoil after coalition party quits over fuel and taxes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jan/02/pakistan-government-coalition-mqm-minority |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |date=2 January 2011 |access-date=14 June 2011 |first=Saeed |last=Shah |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921010311/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jan/02/pakistan-government-coalition-mqm-minority |url-status=live }} Zardari's ruling coalition averted a government collapse by accepting the opposition's economic proposals, which restored gas subsidies and abandoned many of the IMF's suggested reforms.{{efn|In Pakistan, a government falls not by losing a majority but after a no-confidence vote.}}

In an effort to curb government expenditures, Zardari swore in an "austerity cabinet" in February 2011 which reduced the cabinet from 60 ministers to 22.{{cite news |title=Pakistan: Austerity cabinet begins |author=Masood, Salman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/12/world/asia/12briefs-Pakistan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=11 February 2011 |access-date=15 June 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629001809/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/12/world/asia/12briefs-Pakistan.html |url-status=live }} Asif Zardari is famously known as "Mr. Ten (10) percent" in the Pakistan's political landscape, as he is alleged to demand 10% as kickbacks for the government contracts.{{Cite web |date=2008-09-04 |title='Mr. 10%' becomes Mr. President |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20080904-mr-10-becomes-mr-president- |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205083719/https://www.france24.com/en/20080904-mr-10-becomes-mr-president- |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Meet Mr. 10 Percent |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-09-13-0809120628-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |date=13 September 2008 |access-date=25 March 2023 |archive-date=2 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402121001/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-09-13-0809120628-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Wonacott |first=Peter |title=Zardari Set to Assume Pakistan's Presidency |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122058073564902483 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=5 September 2008 |access-date=3 August 2017 |archive-date=4 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904095436/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122058073564902483 |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Indo-Pakistani relations}}

In early October 2008, he received fierce domestic criticism for repeatedly calling Kashmiri nationalists (see Kashmir conflict) in India "terrorists".{{cite news | title = Fury over Zardari Kashmir comment | work = BBC News | date = 6 October 2008 | access-date = 28 March 2011 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7654480.stm | archive-date = 20 March 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320071411/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7654480.stm | url-status = live }}{{cite news |title=Kashmir separatists protest over Zardari's 'terrorist' comment |author=Shankhar, Jay |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aBiTqpRpJtG0 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=28 March 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311100441/https://mb.moatads.com/s/v2?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloomberg.com%2Fpolitics%3Fpid%3Dnewsarchive%26sid%3DaBiTqpRpJtG0&pcode=bloombergprebidheader853620778109&ord=1710151475285&jv=1011315905&callback=BrandSafetyNadoscallback_6443743 |url-status=live }} In mid-November 2008, he suggested Pakistan was ready for a no-first-use nuclear policy and called for closer economic ties.{{cite news |title=Pakistan ready for nuclear no first use offer |author=Kuncheria, C. J. |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-pakistan-idUSTRE4AL27B20081122?pageNumber=1 |work=Reuters |date=22 November 2008 |access-date=9 April 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311025527/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-pakistan-idUSTRE4AL27B20081122?pageNumber=1 |url-status=live }}

The relationship between the two nations was damaged by the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. He initially denied any links between the perpetrators and Pakistan,{{cite news |title=Pakistan not to blame for Mumbai attacks: Zardari |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-mumbai-zardari-idUSTRE4B20XP20081203 |work=Reuters |date=2 December 2008 |access-date=17 April 2011 |first=Eric |last=Beech |archive-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410112228/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-mumbai-zardari-idUSTRE4B20XP20081203 |url-status=live }} but the government soon pursued military action against Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders in a 7 December raid.{{cite news |title=Zardari to India: Pause and take a breath |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/09/pakistan.india/index.html |agency=Time Warner |publisher=CNN |date=9 December 2008 |access-date=17 April 2011}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{cite news |title=Zardari shelves tolerance amid Pakistan's aid needs (Update1) |author=Rupert, James |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=10 December 2008 |access-date=17 April 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110412162620/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&| archive-date= 12 April 2011 | url-status= live}} India cleared Zardari's government of any direct involvement in the attacks, but simultaneously demanded the extradition of 20 Pakistanis which it alleged had taken part in them.{{cite news | title = Pakistan and the Mumbai attack: The world's headache | magazine = The Economist | publisher = Economist Group | date = 4 December 2008 | access-date = 7 May 2011 | url = http://www.economist.com/node/12724976 | archive-date = 19 December 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101219165956/http://www.economist.com/node/12724976? | url-status = live }} Zardari offered to send Inter-Services Intelligence Director-General Ahmed Shuja Pasha to assist in the investigation.

In June 2009, Zardari met Singh for the first time since the Mumbai attacks at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia.{{cite news |title=Indian and Pakistani leaders meet |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8102223.stm |work=BBC News |date=16 June 2009 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=8 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108224628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8102223.stm |url-status=live }}

On 8 April 2012, President Zardari, along with his son Bilawal Zardari Bhutto, visited Dargah Sharif in Ajmer, India on a private visit. He also met with the Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh.{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2111446,00.html |title=Pakistan Chief Visits India on Low-Profile Trip |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408202317/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2111446,00.html |archive-date=8 April 2012 |url-status=dead |magazine=Time}}{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/08/world/asia/pakistan-india-visit/|title=Pakistan's president visits India amid warming ties|last=Singh|first=Harmeet Shah|publisher=CNN|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=30 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530035712/https://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/08/world/asia/pakistan-india-visit/|url-status=live}}File:Joe Biden Zardari meeting.jpg Joe Biden meets Zardari in January 2009|left]]

{{See also|Afghanistan–Pakistan relations}}

The government has had a longstanding conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistani regions bordering Afghanistan. Diplomatic relations with Afghan President Hamid Karzai improved after Musharraf's departure and Zardari's rise to power.{{cite news |title=Good intentions:Zardari and Karzai show solidarity |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2008/09/09/good-intentions.html |work=Newsweek |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=30 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930123021/http://www.newsweek.com/2008/09/09/good-intentions.html |url-status=live }} The Obama administration's AfPak policy, through AfPak envoy Richard Holbrooke, reflected the unified approach the United States took in dealing with Afghanistan and Pakistan.{{cite news |title=Afghanistan and Pakistan: One big problem |url=http://www.economist.com/node/13613469?story_id=E1_TPGTPQGJ |magazine=The Economist |publisher=Economist Group |date=7 May 2009 |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023144736/http://www.economist.com/node/13613469?story_id=E1_TPGTPQGJ |url-status=live }}

In his first visit to Afghanistan as president in early January 2009, Zardari promised a renewed relationship to improve cooperation.{{cite news |title=Afghans, Pakistan fight militants together-Zardari |author=Burch, Jonathon |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE5055M420090106?pageNumber=1 |work=Reuters |date=6 January 2009 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025063407/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE5055M420090106?pageNumber=1 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Karzai sees new era with Pakistan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7813763.stm |work=BBC News |date=6 January 2009 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=16 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116202808/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7813763.stm |url-status=live }} In late March, Obama announced a civilian aid package of $7.5 billion over five years in return for cooperation in the AfPak conflict.{{cite news |title=Can Pakistan meet strategy demands? |author=Jaffry, Nasir |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/commentary/afp/2009/03/29/202096/Can-Pakistan.htm |newspaper=China Post |date=29 March 2009 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=29 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929220907/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/commentary/afp/2009/03/29/202096/Can-Pakistan.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Karzai in full agreement with Obama plan |author=Constable, Pamela |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/28/AR2009032801727.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=29 March 2009 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112113508/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/28/AR2009032801727.html |url-status=live }} In late April, British prime minister Gordon Brown visited Zardari and promised $1 billion over the next four years.{{cite news |title=Brown takes new strategy to Afghanistan, Pakistan |author=Croft, Adrian |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE53Q1QD20090427?pageNumber=3 |agency=Reuters Canada |date=27 April 2009 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025071439/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE53Q1QD20090427?pageNumber=3 |url-status=dead }} In May, Obama held a trilateral summit in Washington D.C., with Karzai and Zardari, where they discussed further cooperation.{{cite news |title=Obama pledges support to Zardari, Karzai |author=Ward, Jon |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/07/obama-pledges-support-to-zardari-karzai/?page=1 |newspaper=The Washington Times |location=Washington D.C. |agency=News World Communications |date=7 May 2009 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=18 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018195007/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/07/obama-pledges-support-to-zardari-karzai/?page=1 |url-status=live }} At Brussels in mid-June, Zardari unsuccessfully sought trade concessions from the European Union; it instead pledged $90 million development aid to curtail tribal influence by insurgents.{{cite news |title=EU vows Pakistan aid, Zardari seeks trade breaks |author=Brunnstrom, David |author2=Ennis, Darren |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/eu-pakistan-idINLH54199220090617 |agency=Reuters India |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=23 May 2011 |archive-date=7 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307094715/http://in.reuters.com/article/eu-pakistan-idINLH54199220090617 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=EU pledges $100m in aid to Pakistan|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/06/2009617153833916590.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|agency=Qatar Media Corporation|date=17 June 2009|access-date=23 May 2011|archive-date=22 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722065120/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/06/2009617153833916590.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=EU gives $100m in aid to Pakistan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8104502.stm |work=BBC News |date=17 June 2009 |access-date=23 May 2011 |archive-date=22 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622160030/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8104502.stm |url-status=live }} After the U.S. Congress passed Obama's civilian aid package in October,{{cite news |title=U.S. Congress approves new restrictions on Pakistan aid |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/6411225/US-Congress-approves-new-restrictions-on-Pakistan-aid.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/6411225/US-Congress-approves-new-restrictions-on-Pakistan-aid.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=22 October 2009 |access-date=2 June 2011}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |title=Obama signs Pakistan aid bill |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/10/20091015175035949145.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |agency=Qatar Media Corporation |date=16 October 2009 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=18 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018135055/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/10/20091015175035949145.html |url-status=live }} army generals in the Pakistani military establishment widened the growing rift with Zardari's government and openly criticised U.S. interference.{{cite news |title=Aid package from U.S. jolts Army in Pakistan |author=Perlez, Jane |author2=Khan, Ismail |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/world/asia/08pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=7 October 2009 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=19 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619010851/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/world/asia/08pstan.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Army issues rare criticism of U.S. aid conditions |author=Qayum, Khalid |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=al9Q9FsX2HR4 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=7 October 2009 |access-date=2 June 2011 |archive-date=6 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106040402/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=al9Q9FsX2HR4 |url-status=live }}

File:Barack Obama with Afghan President Karzai, Pakistan President Zardari and Joe Biden.jpg, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Zardari after the Afghanistan-U.S.-Pakistan trilateral meeting in May 2009]]

In February 2009, FATA's provincial government officially declared Islamic law in Swat to achieve a ceasefire with the northwestern Pashtun tribes.{{cite news |title=World digest: Zardari authorizes Swat Valley law |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/13/AR2009041302992.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=14 April 2009 |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112211040/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/13/AR2009041302992.html |url-status=live }} Because the United States and Britain opposed the measure,{{cite news |title=Interview: Pakistan diplomat faults U.S. strategy |author=Croft, Adrian |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLO233649 |work=Reuters |date=24 April 2009 |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=10 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310192513/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLO233649 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Peace in peril, but Pakistan says don't 'panic' |author=Toosi, Nahal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/8476963 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |date=27 April 2009 |access-date=21 May 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311100507/https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/dec/09/removed-news-agency-feed-article |url-status=live }} Zardari did not sign the Swat ceasefire until mid-April, when domestic pressure from Parliament mounted. By the end of April, the agreement collapsed as the Pakistani military pursued an unpopular offensive in the neighbouring Dir district.{{cite news |title=Peace in peril, but Pakistan says don't 'panic' |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/8477658 |date=28 April 2009 |access-date=23 May 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311100457/https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/dec/09/removed-news-agency-feed-article |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Q.A.: Likely fallout if Pakistan takes Fight to Swat's Taliban |author=Haider, Zeeshan |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2009/04/28/idUKISL121098._CH_.2420 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018020945/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2009/04/28/idUKISL121098._CH_.2420 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2012 |agency=Reuters UK|date=28 April 2009 |access-date=23 May 2011}}

In September 2010, Zardari and Karzai met in Islamabad and both advocated fighting insurgents rather than trying to end the war with diplomacy.{{cite news |title=Seeking stability, Pakistani and Afghan meet |author=Gall, Carlotta |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/world/asia/16pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=15 September 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927040211/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/world/asia/16pstan.html |url-status=live }} Zardari went to the United States in January 2011 to attend Special Envoy Holbrooke's funeral.{{cite news |title=Zardari under renewed criticism for trip overseas |author=Hussain, Zahid |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703889204576077682485174502 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |agency=News Corporation |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=14 June 2011 |archive-date=15 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315154958/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703889204576077682485174502 |url-status=live }} Following Osama bin Laden's death in a compound in Abbottabad in May 2011, Obama called Zardari and collaborated on the events.{{cite news|title=Obama's remarks on killing of Osama bin Laden |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/AP381c08299e3a45fa9f53a9429af7390c |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=2 May 2011 |access-date=2 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514084435/http://online.wsj.com/article/AP381c08299e3a45fa9f53a9429af7390c.html |archive-date=14 May 2011 }}

File:Zardari and Hillary clinton.jpg in May 2009]]

In February 2009, Zardari and the Musharraf-appointed Supreme Court attempted to disqualify Nawaz Sharif from running in any elections

{{cite news |title=Pakistani court bars Sharif brothers from elections (Update1) |author=Qayum, Khalid |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110510112949/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive| archive-date= 10 May 2011 | url-status= live}} and tried to force his brother Shahbaz Sharif to resign as Chief Minister of Punjab province.{{cite news |title=Zardari's party eyes power in key Pakistan province |author=Birsel, Robert |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-sb-idUSTRE5200LY20090301 |work=Reuters |date=1 March 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313074906/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-sb-idUSTRE5200LY20090301 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pro-Sharif protests continue in Pakistani cities |author=Perlez, Jane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/world/asia/27iht-27pstan.20473970.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=27 February 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=27 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227085355/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/world/asia/27iht-27pstan.20473970.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan protesters hold rallies nationwide over Sharif ban |author=Qayum, Khalid |author2=Ahmed, Khaleeq |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=27 February 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110510112949/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive| archive-date= 10 May 2011 | url-status= live}} Zardari dismissed the Punjab provincial government{{cite news |title=Pakistan's political rift may pose test for Obama |author=Perlez, Jane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/world/asia/28pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=27 February 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510143953/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/28/world/asia/28pstan.html |url-status=live }} and only partially reinstated the judiciary by restoring 56 other judges deposed by Musharraf—but not their former leader, Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry.{{cite news |title=Sharif supporters protest court ruling |author=Masood, Azhar |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=119668&d=27&m=2&y=2009 |newspaper=Arab News |publisher=Saudi Research & Publishing Company |agency=Saudi Research & Marketing Group |date=27 February 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan's politics: Just like the bad old days |url=http://www.economist.com/node/13185757?story_id=13185757 |magazine=The Economist |publisher=Economist Group |date=26 February 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023125048/http://www.economist.com/node/13185757?story_id=13185757 |url-status=live }} After Nawaz Sharif defied house arrest and rallied with thousands of his supporters,{{cite news |title=Pakistan ex-PM ignores 'arrest' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7944527.stm |work=BBC News |date=15 March 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117095739/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7944527.stm |url-status=live }} the Sharif brothers vowed to join forces with the Lawyers' Movement in the "Long March".{{cite news |title=Q.A.: Why is Judge Chaudhry so important in Pakistan? |author=Cameron-Moore, Simon |author2=Norton, Jerry |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSISL473361 |work=Reuters |date=15 March 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727182452/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSISL473361 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan PM to address nation as crisis nears climax |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLF192595 |work=Reuters |date=15 March 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311040327/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLF192595 |url-status=live }} Zardari's government gave in to popular pressure and Prime Minister Gilani in an early morning speech on 16 March 2009 promised to reinstate Chaudhry by 21 March.{{cite news |title=Pakistan leader backs down and reinstates top judge |author=Perlez, Jane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/asia/16pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=15 March 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314164016/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/asia/16pstan.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan: Deposed chief justice to be reinstated |url=http://www.newsweek.com/2009/03/15/last-minute-reversal.html |work=Newsweek |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=22 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122112434/http://www.newsweek.com/2009/03/15/last-minute-reversal.html |url-status=live }} Ten judges were reinstated on 16 March, and Chaudry assumed his position on 22 March.{{cite news |title=New elections chief in Pakistan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7949913.stm |work=BBC News |date=18 March 2009 |access-date=16 May 2011 |archive-date=21 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090321125611/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7949913.stm |url-status=live }} Zardari's month-long direct control of the Punjab ended on 30 March.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's President praises Obama and offers new concession to the opposition |author=Perlez, Jane |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/world/asia/29pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=29 March 2009 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=1 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401205655/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/world/asia/29pstan.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Gilani says government will end its rule in Pakistan's Punjab |author=Tighe, Paul |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |date=17 March 2009 |access-date=16 May 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110512043930/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&| archive-date= 12 May 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |title=Terrorism in Pakistan: Attack on the academy |magazine=The Economist |publisher=Economist Group |url=http://www.economist.com/node/13399089?story_id=13399089 |date=30 March 2009 |access-date=16 May 2011 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023134517/http://www.economist.com/node/13399089?story_id=13399089 |url-status=live }}

{{further|Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009}}

In April 2009, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation into law. The regulation formally established Sharia law in the Malakand division.[http://www.geo.tv/4-13-2009/39783.htm President signs Nizam-e-Adl Regulation: Presidency] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719070204/http://www.geo.tv/4-13-2009/39783.htm |date=19 July 2013 }}. GEO.tv (13 April 2009). Retrieved 12 July 2013.

{{See also|Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan}}

In late November 2009, Zardari ceded to Prime Minister Gillani the chairmanship of the National Command Authority, Pakistan's nuclear arsenal oversight agency.{{cite news |title=Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari removed himself from nuclear chain of command, transferring his authority to the Prime Minister |author=Schifrin, Nick |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/pakistans-zardari-takes-finger-off-nuclear-trigger/story?id=9196002 |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |date=28 November 2009 |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-date=19 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119073227/http://abcnews.go.com/International/pakistans-zardari-takes-finger-off-nuclear-trigger/story?id=9196002 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Zardari transfers control of nuclear weapons to Prime Minister |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/29/pakistan-zardari-nuclear-weapons |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |date=29 November 2009 |access-date=3 June 2011}}

In December 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that the National Reconciliation Ordinance amnesty was unconstitutional, which cleared the way for the revival of corruption cases against Zardari.{{cite news |title=Pakistani court throws out amnesty for Zardari, allies |author=Haider, Zeeshan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-amnesty-idUSTRE5BF33320091216 |work=Reuters |date=16 December 2009 |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-date=5 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205100227/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-amnesty-idUSTRE5BF33320091216 |url-status=live }} Although Zardari had immunity from prosecution because he was president,{{cite news |title=Pakistan court focuses on President Zardari's offshore riches |author=Perlez, Jane |author2=Masood, Salman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/world/asia/16zardari.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=29 May 2011 |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-date=1 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001182048/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/16/world/asia/16zardari.html |url-status=live }} the end of NRO and his earlier corruption cases challenged the legality of his presidency.{{cite news |title=Pakistan court hears challenge to corruption amnesty |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8400432.stm |work=BBC News |date=7 December 2009 |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-date=8 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108224628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8400432.stm |url-status=live }} Calls for his resignation escalated.{{cite news |title=Pakistan party demands Zardari resignation |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8417561.stm |work=BBC News |date=17 December 2009 |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-date=8 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108224628/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8417561.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Opposition calls on Zardari to quit |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/12/2009121765458321966.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |agency=Qatar Media Corporation |date=18 December 2009 |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-date=28 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128072943/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/12/2009121765458321966.html |url-status=live }} Zardari, who rarely left the Aiwan-e-Sadr presidential palace,{{cite news |title=Zardari's heavy political baggage |author=Bennett-Jones, Owen |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8889000/8889056.stm |work=BBC News |date=6 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923070741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8889000/8889056.stm |url-status=live }} responded with a nationwide spurt of speeches in January 2011.{{cite news |title=Memo from Islamabad: Zardari stages comeback, but effect on Pakistan is unclear |author=Tavernise, Sabrina |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/world/asia/21pstan.htm |newspaper=The New York Times |date=20 January 2010 |access-date=3 June 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927040221/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/world/asia/21pstan.htm |url-status=live }} In January 2010, the Supreme Court ordered Pakistan's government to reopen Zardari's corruption charges in Switzerland.{{cite news |title=Court tells government to prosecute Zardari |author=Masood, Azhar |url=http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=4 |newspaper=Arab News |location=Jeddah |publisher=Saudi Research & Publishing Company |agency=Saudi Research & Marketing Group |date=20 January 2010 |access-date=6 June 2011 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |title=Reopening of Zardari case ordered |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/03/2010331101630560390.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |agency=Qatar Media Corporation |date=31 March 2010 |access-date=6 June 2011 |archive-date=5 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205152841/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2010/03/2010331101630560390.html |url-status=live }} However, Zardari prevented the MQM-leaning Attorney General, Anwar Mansoor, from filing charges,{{cite news |title=Pakistan attorney general resigns |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/world/pakistan-attorney-general-resigns-14753988.html |newspaper=The Belfast Telegraph |agency=Independent News & Media |date=3 April 2010 |access-date=6 June 2011 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104121/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/world/pakistan-attorney-general-resigns-14753988.html |url-status=live }} so Mansoor resigned in protest in early April.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Attorney General resigns |author=Maqbool, Aleem |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8601384.stm |work=BBC News |date=3 April 2010 |access-date=6 June 2011 |archive-date=8 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408022130/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8601384.stm |url-status=live }} That same month, Zardari won a key victory against the judiciary over his corruption trials when Geneva Attorney General Daniel Zappelli stated that Zardari can not be prosecuted under international laws because of his presidential immunity.{{cite news |title=Asif Zardari wins fight against corruption case in Switzerland |author=Crilly, Rob |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7582159/Asif-Zardari-wins-fight-against-corruption-case-in-Switzerland.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7582159/Asif-Zardari-wins-fight-against-corruption-case-in-Switzerland.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=12 April 2010 |access-date=6 June 2011 |location=London}}{{cbignore}}

{{cite news |title=Swiss say legal immunity protects Pakistani leader |author=Khan, Zarar |url=http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EPN6080.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102035244/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EPN6080.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2012 |magazine=Bloomberg Businessweek |agency=Bloomberg L.P |access-date=6 June 2011}} Zardari was supported by Prime Minister Gilani, who defied the Supreme Court order.{{cite news |title=Q.A.: Is Pakistan's government hanging in the balance? |author=Haider, Kamran |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSTRE68Q36O20100927 |work=Reuters |date=27 September 2010 |access-date=13 June 2011 |archive-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311071823/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-idUSTRE68Q36O20100927 |url-status=live }}

In February 2010, Zardari sparked a standoff by attempting to appoint a Supreme Court candidate without the court's approval,{{cite news |title=Pakistan's lawyers strike over judicial appointments made by President Zardari |author=Brulliard, Karin |author2=Hussain, Shaiq |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/15/AR2010021503410.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=16 February 2010 |access-date=7 June 2011 |archive-date=21 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821035700/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/15/AR2010021503410.html |url-status=live }} but the confrontation ended after he backed down and nominated a candidate acceptable by the court.{{cite news |title=Pakistani backs down in conflict with judge |author=Tavernise, Sabrina |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/18/world/asia/18pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=18 February 2010 |access-date=7 June 2011 |archive-date=23 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223032326/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/18/world/asia/18pstan.html? |url-status=live }}

In April 2010, after months of political pressure, the government passed the 18th Amendment, which reduced the President to a ceremonial figurehead by stripping the office of the power to dissolve Parliament, to dismiss the Prime Minister, and to appoint military chiefs.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's President Zardari closer to losing powers |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2010/0401/Pakistan-s-President-Zardari-closer-to-losing-powers |newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor |date=1 April 2010 |access-date=7 June 2011 |archive-date=9 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709222757/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2010/0401/Pakistan-s-President-Zardari-closer-to-losing-powers |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan President Asif Zardari gives up constitutional powers |author=Mohsin, Saima |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7545477/Pakistan-president-Asif-Zardari-gives-up-constitutional-powers.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7545477/Pakistan-president-Asif-Zardari-gives-up-constitutional-powers.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=1 April 2010|access-date=7 June 2011}}{{cbignore}} The amendment also lifted the restriction of two terms as prime minister, which enabled Zardari's foremost political rival, Nawaz Sharif, to seek a third term. The amendment was passed with virtually unanimous support in Parliament{{cite news |title=Pakistani MPs do away with Zardari's crucial powers |author=Haider, Kamran |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-reforms-idUSTRE6373CF20100408 |work=Reuters |date=8 April 2010 |access-date=8 June 2011 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518125401/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-politics-reforms-idUSTRE6373CF20100408 |url-status=live }} and Zardari himself espoused the legislation because of political pressure.{{cite news |title=Pakistan moves to roll back presidential powers |author=Rodriguez, Alex |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-apr-02-la-fg-pakistan-zardari3-2010apr03-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=2 April 2010 |access-date=8 June 2011 |archive-date=10 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210084618/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/02/world/la-fg-pakistan-zardari3-2010apr03 |url-status=live }} After the 18th Amendment, Zardari's main power derived from his position as leader of the PPP, which controls the largest bloc in Parliament.

In late September 2010, the Supreme Court considered removing presidential immunity.{{cite news |title=Pakistan court considers Zardari immunity |author=Hussain, Zahid |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704760704575515823634846184 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |agency=News Corporation |date=26 September 2010 |access-date=13 June 2011 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118044212/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704760704575515823634846184 |url-status=live }} In October, Chief Justice Chaudry met with his colleagues to discuss troubling media rumours that Zardari's government was planning to fire them; Chaudry requested government assurance that the stories were unfounded.{{cite news |title=Conflict brews between Pakistani President, Supreme Court |author=Rodriguez, Alex |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-oct-16-la-fg-pakistan-courts-20101016-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=16 October 2010 |access-date=13 June 2011 |archive-date=23 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223092442/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/16/world/la-fg-pakistan-courts-20101016 |url-status=live }} In early January 2011, Zardari signed the 19th Amendment, which lessened the likelihood of future clashes between the President and the judiciary by strengthening the power of the Chief Justice in deciding judicial appointments.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's populist judges: Courting trouble |url=http://www.economist.com/node/18114729 |magazine=The Economist |publisher=Economist Group |date=10 February 2011 |access-date=13 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110719072720/http://www.economist.com/node/18114729| archive-date= 19 July 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |title=Assent given to 19th Amendment: Move to ignite clash between institutions foiled: Zardari |author=Rahman, Shamim |url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/01/02/assent-given-to-19th-amendment-move-to-ignite-clash-between-institutions-foiled-zardari.html |newspaper=Dawn |date=1 January 2011 |access-date=13 June 2011 |archive-date=20 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120015339/http://www.dawn.com/2011/01/02/assent-given-to-19th-amendment-move-to-ignite-clash-between-institutions-foiled-zardari.html |url-status=live }}

In March 2011, Zardari delivered his annual parliamentary address to a half-empty chamber because of an opposition walkout.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's President vows again to fight extremism |author=Gall, Carlotta |author2=Masood, Salman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/asia/23pakistan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=22 March 2011 |access-date=15 June 2011 |archive-date=27 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327184617/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/world/asia/23pakistan.html |url-status=live }}

In November 2012, the Pakistan government in response to the court orders, finally wrote to the Swiss authorities seeking to reopen the corruption cases against Zardari.{{Cite news|url=http://post.jagran.com/Zardari-graft-case-Swiss-authorities-yet-to-respond-to-Pak-governments-letter-1355303314|title=Zardari graft case: Swiss authorities yet to respond to Pak government's letter|work=Jagran Post|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529204057/http://post.jagran.com/Zardari-graft-case-Swiss-authorities-yet-to-respond-to-Pak-governments-letter-1355303314|url-status=live}} The Swiss government responded by saying that the corruption cases being time-barred cannot be reopened.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-105855-Switzerland-refuses-to-reopen-graft-cases-against-President-Zardari|title=Switzerland refuses to reopen graft cases against President Zardari|website=The News International|access-date=9 September 2013|archive-date=14 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714124234/http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-105855-Switzerland-refuses-to-reopen-graft-cases-against-President-Zardari|url-status=live}}

The 2010 Pakistan floods began in late July with rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and soon submerged a fifth of Pakistan and affected 20 million people, resulting in one of the nation's largest natural catastrophes. Simultaneously, British prime minister David Cameron sparked a serious diplomatic row with Pakistan during his visit to India{{cite news |title=Miliband condemns Pakistan comments |agency=Independent News & Media |newspaper=The Belfast Telegraph |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/pakistan-tries-to-calm-cameron-row-14895048.html |date=31 July 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104348/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/pakistan-tries-to-calm-cameron-row-14895048.html |url-status=live }} by stating that elements within Pakistan were promoting the "export of terror" a week before a planned visit by Zardari to Britain.{{cite news |title=Cameron sparks diplomatic row with Pakistan after 'export of terror' remarks |author=Dodd, Vikram |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jul/28/david-cameron-india-pakistan-terror |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |date=28 July 2010 |access-date=8 June 2011 |archive-date=19 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819184629/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/jul/28/david-cameron-india-pakistan-terror |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan plays down David Cameron's terror comments |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10829159 |work=BBC News |date=31 July 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124420/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10829159| archive-date= 20 May 2011 | url-status= live}} Zardari ignored domestic pressure{{cite news |title=Pakistan President heading to UK for talks despite criticism |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-08-01/world/pakistan.uk_1_pakistani-military-official-pakistan-president-pakistan-s-inter-services-intelligence |agency=Time Warner |publisher=CNN |date=1 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite news |title=Pakistan summons UK envoy over Cameron's comments |author=Croft, Adrian |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-britain-diplomat-idUSTRE6711JW20100802 |work=Reuters |date=2 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313020832/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-britain-diplomat-idUSTRE6711JW20100802 |url-status=live }} and began his European trip in Paris on 1 August, meeting French President Sarkozy.{{cite news |title=Pakistan PM hits back at David Cameron terror claim |author=Jamieson, Alastair |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7920907/Pakistan-PM-hits-back-at-David-Cameron-terror-claim.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7920907/Pakistan-PM-hits-back-at-David-Cameron-terror-claim.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=1 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |title=Pakistan President to visit Britain amid terror row |author=Allbritton, Chris |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-britain-idUKTRE66U0NV20100801 |agency=Reuters UK |date=1 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=7 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307225012/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-britain-idUKTRE66U0NV20100801 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Sarkozy urges Pakistan leader to ramp up terror fight |author=Guernigou, Yann Le |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-pakistan-idUSTRE6714FQ20100802 |work=Reuters |date=2 August 2010 |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-date=13 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313134016/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-pakistan-idUSTRE6714FQ20100802 |url-status=live }} In France, he drew a rebuke from the U.S. after stating that NATO had "lost the battle for hearts and minds" in the Afghan war.{{cite news |title=Afghan War is being lost, Pakistani President says |author=Burns, John F. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/world/europe/04britain.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=3 August 2010 |access-date=10 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110512223916/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/world/europe/04britain.html| archive-date= 12 May 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Zardari says war with Taliban being lost |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE6721R820100803?pageNumber=1 |agency=Reuters Canada |date=3 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025074500/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE6721R820100803?pageNumber=1 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=War against Taliban 'being lost' says Zardari |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10853676 |work=BBC News |date=3 August 2010 |access-date=10 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110520074953/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-10853676| archive-date= 20 May 2011 | url-status= live}} As the flood's devastation became increasingly evident, he was widely criticised for flying in a helicopter to his Normandy chateau{{cite news |title=Zardari chateau: Pakistani leader attempts damage control after European trip during disaster |author=Rodriguez, Alex |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-aug-16-la-fg-pakistan-floods-zardari-20100817-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=16 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=4 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204024528/http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/16/world/la-fg-pakistan-floods-zardari-20100817 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan floods: Army steps into breach as anger grows at Zardari |author=Shah, Saeed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/08/pakistan-floods-army-popular-zardari-anger |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |date=8 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=15 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915191641/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/08/pakistan-floods-army-popular-zardari-anger |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Blighted Pakistan: Swamped, bruised and resentful |url=http://www.economist.com/node/16743369 |magazine=The Economist |publisher=Economist Group |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=20 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920180328/http://www.economist.com/node/16743369 |url-status=live }} and dining at Cameron's Chequers countryside home.{{cite news |title=Zardari's trip to Europe fuels resentment as Pakistan reels from deadly floods |author=Witte, Griff |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/06/AR2010080602855.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=6 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=24 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124040631/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/06/AR2010080602855.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Cameron hails UK's 'unbreakable' bond with Pakistan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10888976 |work=BBC News |date= 6 August 2010 |access-date=10 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110520124357/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-10888976| archive-date= 20 May 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |title=Leaders of Britain and Pakistan smooth over frictions |author=Burns, John F. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/07/world/europe/07london.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=6 August 2010 |access-date=10 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110611002357/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/07/world/europe/07london.html| archive-date= 11 June 2011 | url-status= live}} Protests within Britain, mainly among the British Pakistani community, grew against his visit.{{cite news |title=Protests greet Pakistan President |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/protests-greet-pakistan-president-14900752.html |newspaper=The Belfast Telegraph |date=7 August 2010 |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020104859/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/protests-greet-pakistan-president-14900752.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pakistan President Zardari arrives in London, sparring with Cameron continues |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/0804/Pakistan-President-Zardari-arrives-in-London-sparring-with-Cameron-continues |newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor |date=4 August 2010 |access-date=9 June 2011 |archive-date=25 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125111448/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/0804/Pakistan-President-Zardari-arrives-in-London-sparring-with-Cameron-continues |url-status=live }} The widely expected maiden speech by his son Bilawal was cancelled,{{cite news |title=Pakistan's Bhutto cancels plans to attend UK rally |first=Myra |last=MacDonald |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-britain-bhutto-idUKTRE67453X20100805 |agency=Reuters UK |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-date=7 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307033649/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pakistan-britain-bhutto-idUKTRE67453X20100805 |url-status=dead }} as Zardari faced criticism for using the trip to advance Bilawal's political aspirations.{{cite news |title=Pakistan's President Zardari is pelted with shoes at Birmingham rally |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7932304/Pakistans-President-Zardari-is-pelted-with-shoes-at-Birmingham-rally.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7932304/Pakistans-President-Zardari-is-pelted-with-shoes-at-Birmingham-rally.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=7 August 2010 |access-date=11 June 2011 |first=Colin |last=Freeman}}{{cbignore}}

Zardari returned to Pakistan on 10 August.{{cite news |title=Pakistan President visits flooded regions as official response criticised |first=Mark |last=Tran |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/12/pakistan-president-flood-response-criticised |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK |date=12 August 2010 |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-date=15 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915192412/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/12/pakistan-president-flood-response-criticised |url-status=live }} He first visit to an area affected by the flooding was in Sukkur on 12 August. He cancelled the 14 August Independence Day celebrations and instead visited Naushera.{{cite news |title=Cholera in Pakistan as Prime Minister says 20 million affected by floods |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7945745/Cholera-in-Pakistan-as-Prime-Minister-says-20-million-affected-by-floods.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7945745/Cholera-in-Pakistan-as-Prime-Minister-says-20-million-affected-by-floods.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=14 August 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011}}{{cbignore}} He flew over devastated areas with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on 15 August.{{cite news |title=U.N. chief urges donations to Pakistan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/world/asia/16pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |date=15 August 2010 |access-date=11 June 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927040326/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/world/asia/16pstan.html |url-status=live }} He left the country on 18 August and attended the four-way Russian summit at Sochi, which included Tajikistan and Afghanistan.{{cite news |title=Karzai says Afghanistan needs Russia's support |first=Denis |last=Dyomkin |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE67H1HI20100818 |agency=Reuters Canada |date=18 August 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=25 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025083757/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE67H1HI20100818 |url-status=dead }} On 19 August, he visited Jampur with U.S. Senator John Kerry.{{cite news |title=Zardari: Terrorists could exploit Pakistan flood |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/zardari-terrorists-could-exploit-pakistan-flood/ |work=CBS News |date=20 August 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=23 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223105131/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/08/19/world/main6787571.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Floods in Pakistan carry the seeds of upheaval |first=Carlotta |last=Gall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/world/asia/06pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=5 September 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927040354/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/world/asia/06pstan.html |url-status=live }} He ordered local authorities to concentrate efforts to save Shahdadkot from inundation on 24 August.{{cite news |title=Floods in Pakistan pour south |first=Carlotta |last=Gall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/world/asia/24pstan.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=23 August 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927040734/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/world/asia/24pstan.html |url-status=live }}

In early December 2011 Zardari flew to Dubai undergoing medical tests and treatment, reportedly for a "small stroke".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/13/zardari-stroke-bilawal-power-pakistan |author=Jason Burke |title=Zardari treated for stroke as son Bilawal is groomed for power in Pakistan |work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=14 December 2011 |archive-date=4 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904185042/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/13/zardari-stroke-bilawal-power-pakistan |url-status=live }} According to the prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, Zardari sought medical treatment outside of Pakistan because of "threats to his life".{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8956919/Pakistan-president-Asif-Ali-Zardari-went-to-Dubai-because-of-threats-to-his-life.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/8956919/Pakistan-president-Asif-Ali-Zardari-went-to-Dubai-because-of-threats-to-his-life.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|

title=Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari went to Dubai 'because of threats to his life'|work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK|date=14 December 2011|access-date=14 December 2011}}{{cbignore}} He finds himself currently in the midst of the "Memogate" controversy. Zardari left the hospital on 14 December to recuperate at the Persian Gulf, while his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, assumed a more prominent role in Pakistan.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pakistans-president-to-be-discharged-from-dubai-hospital-rest-at-home/2011/12/14/gIQAQVowtO_story.html |author=Simon Denyer |title=Pakistan's Zardari leaves Dubai hospital |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=14 December 2011 |access-date=14 December 2011 |archive-date=24 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224162415/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/pakistans-president-to-be-discharged-from-dubai-hospital-rest-at-home/2011/12/14/gIQAQVowtO_story.html |url-status=live }}

By 19 December, Zardari had returned to Pakistan.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/19/asif-ali-zardari-return-pakistan|agency=Reuters|title=Asif Ali Zardari returns to Pakistan|work=The Guardian, UK|date=19 December 2011|access-date=2 January 2012|location=London|archive-date=23 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223185123/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/dec/19/asif-ali-zardari-return-pakistan|url-status=live}}

Pakistan and China on 22 May 2013 signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) that mainly included the long-term China–Pakistan Economic Corridor plan, maritime cooperation and satellite navigation. President Zardari and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang witnessed the signing ceremony as the representatives of the two countries inked the documents at a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. The visit of Premier Keqiang marked the signing of important documents aimed at long-term cooperation between the two countries in multiple areas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nihao-salam.com/news-detail.php?id=Mzk5NA==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311130159/http://www.nihao-salam.com/news-detail.php?id=Mzk5NA==|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 March 2023|title=Pakistan, China sign agreements, MoUs on Economic Corridor Plan, maritime cooperation|last=Salam|first=Nihao|website=www.nihao-salam.com|access-date=18 May 2017}}

Zardari completed his five-year term on 8 September 2013,{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistani-president-asif-ali-zardari-set-to-step-down-at-end-of-fiveyear-term-8803638.html | location=London | work=The Independent | title=Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari set to step down at end of five-year term | date=8 September 2013 | access-date=24 August 2017 | archive-date=25 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925184617/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistani-president-asif-ali-zardari-set-to-step-down-at-end-of-fiveyear-term-8803638.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/8/pakistani-president-asif-ali-zardari-steps-down-hi/|title=Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari steps down as his term ends|work=The Washington Times|access-date=1 August 2017|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801233612/http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/8/pakistani-president-asif-ali-zardari-steps-down-hi/|url-status=live}} becoming the first democratically elected president in the 66-year-long history of Pakistan to complete his tenure. He received a guard of honour while leaving the Aiwan-e-Sadr.{{Cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/601554/with-guard-of-honour-president-zardari-steps-down/|title=With guard of honour, President Zardari steps down – The Express Tribune|date=8 September 2013|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802040559/https://tribune.com.pk/story/601554/with-guard-of-honour-president-zardari-steps-down/|url-status=live}} He was succeeded by Mamnoon Hussain as president.{{cite news|title=Asif Ali Zardari steps down as Pakistan's President|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/asif-ali-zardari-steps-down-as-pakistans-president/articleshow/22417097.cms|access-date=9 September 2013|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=9 September 2013|archive-date=6 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206124719/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/asif-ali-zardari-steps-down-as-pakistans-president/articleshow/22417097.cms|url-status=live}}

He became active in the PPP, which he voted to revamp, after his presidency.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1032993|title=Zardari vows to revamp PPP after presidential tenure|last=Mahmood|first=Asif|date=30 July 2013|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801193455/https://www.dawn.com/news/1032993|url-status=live}} He succeeded Ameen Faheem as chairman of PPPP in 2015.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1229144|title=Zardari to become president of PPP Parliamentarians|date=28 December 2015|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801233527/https://www.dawn.com/news/1229144|url-status=live}} In December 2016, he announced that both he and his son Bilawal, would contest the 2018 general election.{{cite web |url=http://m.hindustantimes.com/world-news/ex-president-asif-zardari-and-son-bilawal-to-contest-parliamentary-elections/story-AusiaoNedsagu5MxgBd7KJ.html |title=Ex-president Asif Zardari and son Bilawal to contest parliamentary elections |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 December 2016 |access-date=1 August 2017 |archive-date=11 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311100424/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/ex-president-asif-zardari-and-son-bilawal-to-contest-parliamentary-elections/story-AusiaoNedsagu5MxgBd7KJ.html |url-status=live }}

In July 2017, during the investigation of the Panama Papers case, Zardari demanded Nawaz Sharif's resignation.{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/quit-and-face-graft-charges-like-a-lion-zardari-to-sharif/articleshow/59477222.cms |title=Quit and face graft charges 'like a lion': Ex Pak PM Zardari to Nawaz Sharif |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=2 August 2017 |archive-date=17 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517033710/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/quit-and-face-graft-charges-like-a-lion-zardari-to-sharif/articleshow/59477222.cms |url-status=live }} In August 2017, Pakistan's anti-corruption court acquitted him from his last pending case in which he was accused along with his late wife, Benazir Bhutto, of laundering illegal kickbacks and maintaining assets beyond known sources of income. The case had dogged him for 19 years.{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/pakistan-court-quashes-corruption-case-against-asif-ali-zardari/826909/|title=Pakistan court quashes corruption case against Asif Ali Zardari|date=27 August 2017|work=The Financial Express|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011021341/http://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/pakistan-court-quashes-corruption-case-against-asif-ali-zardari/826909/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://m.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistan-court-acquits-asif-ali-zardari-in-corruption-case-1742433|title=Pakistan Court Acquits Asif Ali Zardari in Nearly 2-Decade Old Corruption Case|work=NDTV.com|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906114553/http://m.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistan-court-acquits-asif-ali-zardari-in-corruption-case-1742433|url-status=live}} His rival Imran Khan believed that Zardari's acquittal was the result of a deal between the PML-N and PPP. However he denied any kind of collaboration.{{Cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1494144/ive-acquitted-long-legal-battle-not-settlement-zardari/|title=Zardari dismisses talk of deal in his acquittal – The Express Tribune|date=29 August 2017|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-date=9 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309052437/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1494144/ive-acquitted-long-legal-battle-not-settlement-zardari/|url-status=live}} The National Accountability Bureau also challenged the acquittal.[https://www.dawn.com/news/1356600 'Tremendous evidence available': NAB files appeal against Zardari's acquittal in assets case] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916225414/https://www.dawn.com/news/1356600 |date=16 September 2017 }} Dawn On 2 September, after his wife's murder case verdict, which declared Pervez Musharraf a fugitive and convicted two senior police officers, he said that he was not satisfied with the verdict and that he would appeal the judgment as it had acquitted five Pakistani Taliban suspects.[http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world-will-appeal-against-benazir-bhutto-murder-case-verdict-says-asif-ali-zardari-399494 Will appeal against Benazir Bhutto murder case verdict, says Asif Ali Zardari] India TV In 2019, he was arrested in Islamabad over a money laundering case.{{cite web |title=Asif Ali Zardari: Former Pakistan President Zardari arrested |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-48584887 |website=BBC News |access-date=15 May 2020 |date=10 June 2019}} An anti-graft court issued an indictment of Zardari on corruption charges on 10 August 2020.{{cite news |last1=Haider |first1=Kamran |title=Pakistan Court Indicts Ex-President Zardari in Graft Case |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-10/pakistan-court-indicts-ex-president-zardari-in-graft-case |access-date=27 August 2020 |work=Bloomberg |date=10 August 2020}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bolnews.com/pakistan/2020/09/nab-court-indicts-asif-ali-zardari-and-faryal-talpur-in-corruption-references/|title=NAB Court Indicts Asif Ali Zardari And Faryal Talpur In Corruption References|work=BOL News|access-date=26 September 2020}}

On 3 March 2024, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan confirmed that the Pakistani Parliament would meet on 9 March 2024 to elect a new President of Pakistan,{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2470311/pakistan|title=Pakistani parliament to meet on Mar. 9 to elect new president, Asif Ali Zardari front-runner|publisher=Arab News|date=March 3, 2024|accessdate=March 3, 2024}} which Zardari won with 411 votes from the national and provincial assemblies against Mahmood Khan Achakzai.{{cite news|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/9/asif-ali-zardari-elected-pakistans-president-for-second-time |title=Asif Ali Zardari elected Pakistan's president for second time |publisher=Aljazeera |date=March 9, 2024|accessdate=March 11, 2024}} He was elected as President on 9 March 2024 by securing 411 electoral votes and his opponent Mahmood Khan Achakzai secured 181 electoral votes.{{Cite web |title='Artful dodger' Asif Ali Zardari wins second term as Pakistan's president |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/9/asif-ali-zardari-elected-pakistans-president-for-second-time |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310100408/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/9/asif-ali-zardari-elected-pakistans-president-for-second-time |url-status=live }} He was sworn in as 14th President on 10 March 2024,{{Cite web |date=2024-03-10 |title=Asif Ali Zardari sworn in as 14th president of Pakistan |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458942/asif-ali-zardari-sworn-in-as-14th-president-of-pakistan |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310122109/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2458942/asif-ali-zardari-sworn-in-as-14th-president-of-pakistan |url-status=live }} the first civilian to be elected as President for a second non-consecutive term.

Omar Ayub Khan, the opposition leader in the National Assembly of Pakistan, called Zardari 'illegal'.{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2024-04-19 |title=Imran Khan's party leader calls Pakistan President Zardari 'illegal' |url=https://theprint.in/world/imran-khans-party-leader-calls-pakistan-president-zardari-illegal/2047276/ |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan described his election "unconstitutional and unacceptable."{{Cite web |title="Unacceptable": Imran Khan's Party After Asif Zardari Elected Pak President, Calls For Protest |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/unconstitutional-imran-khans-party-after-asif-zardari-elected-president-calls-for-protest-5207791 |access-date=2024-04-20 |website=NDTV.com}}

Zardari and Benazir Bhutto had one son and two daughters. His son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party. His older daughter, Bakhtawar, was born on 25 January 1990,{{cite news |title=Good luck charm |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K-VPAAAAIBAJ&pg=5050,59205 |newspaper=Times-News |location=Hendersonville, North Carolina |date=1 February 1990 |access-date=15 July 2011}} and his younger daughter, Aseefa, was born on 3 February 1993.{{cite news |title=Ex-Prime Minister's husband out on bail |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hQVZAAAAIBAJ&pg=4174,783978 |newspaper=Kingman Daily Miner |location=Kingman, Arizona |date=7 February 1993 |access-date=24 July 2011}} After Benazir Bhutto's death, his sister Faryal Talpur became the guardian of his children and he changed Bilawal Zardari's name to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7165052.stm|title=Profile: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari|work=BBC News|date=30 December 2007 |access-date=17 July 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110715133948/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7165052.stm| archive-date= 15 July 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0517/p01s04-wosc.html |title=No grand return for Pakistan's Bhutto |author=Koster, Suzanna |work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=17 May 2007 |access-date=18 July 2011 }}

His mother died in November 2002, during his detention in jail.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/66533|title=Death of Asif's mother condoled|date=13 November 2002|work=Dawn|location=Pakistan|access-date=29 May 2018}} His father Hakim Ali Zardari died in May 2011.{{cite news|first=Mohsin|last=Ali|title=Bilawal to head Zardari tribe | url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/pakistan/bilawal-to-head-zardari-tribe-1.814251 |location=Manama, Bahrain | newspaper=Gulf Daily News |date=29 May 2011 |access-date=24 July 2011}} After that he became the chieftain of the Zardari tribe. However, initially he had decided not to assume leadership and wanted to pass the position to his son Bilawal.{{Cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/814528/dastar-bandi-zardari-takes-over-as-chief-of-his-own-tribe/|title=Dastar bandi: Zardari takes over as chief of his own tribe – The Express Tribune|date=30 December 2014|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=29 May 2018}}

Zardari is known to seek the advice of "soothsayers and healers", especially during times of political troubles. He has visited Prof. Ahmad Rafique Akhtar, a well-known Sufi scholar based in Gujar Khan who often counsels government officials and military leaders. During his presidency, he would consult with his then spiritual leader, Pir Mohammad Ejaz, about such matters as travel times and animals were sacrificed during particularly trying periods.{{Cite web |date=2019-01-15 |title=Asif Zardari visits spiritual scholar Prof Ahmad Akhter Rafique |url=https://nation.com.pk/16-Jan-2019/asif-zardari-visits-spiritual-scholar-prof-ahmad-akhter-rafique |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=The Nation |language=en-US}}{{Cite book |last=Raja |first=Farrah Karamat |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L9vXAAAAMAAJ |title=Prof. Ahmad Rafique Akhtar: Mystery Behind the Mystic |date=2000 |publisher=Sang-e-Meel Publication |isbn=978-969-35-1160-4 |language=en}}

His mental health has been a subject of controversy. He has repeatedly claimed he was tortured while in prison.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2000/sep/29/3|title=Text: interview with Asif Ali Zardari |work = The Guardian |date= 29 December 2000 | access-date= 2 August 2017}} He was diagnosed with dementia, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder from 2005 to 2007, which helped influence the verdict of one of his corruption trials. He now claims he is completely healthy, with only high blood pressure and diabetes.

In 2005, Daily Pakistan reported he was the second richest man in Pakistan, with an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion.{{cite news|last=Malik |first=Salik |url=http://www.daily.pk/president-asif-ali-zardari-2nd-most-richest-man-of-pakistan-6666/ |title=President Asif Ali Zardari 2nd most richest man of Pakistan |newspaper=Daily Pakistan |access-date=29 July 2011 |date=26 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113183927/http://www.daily.pk/president-asif-ali-zardari-2nd-most-richest-man-of-pakistan-6666/ |archive-date=13 January 2012}} He amassed great wealth while his wife was prime minister. In 2007, he received US$60 million into his Swiss bank account through offshore companies under his name. He was reported to have estates in Surrey, West End of London, Manhattan (a condominium in Belaire Apartments), and Dubai,{{cite news | author = Borger, Julian | title = Asif Ali Zardari: 'His elevation will turn off floating voters. It will hurt the party' |newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK| date = 31 December 2007 | access-date =19 March 2011 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/dec/31/pakistan.topstories33 }} and a 16th-century chateau in Normandy. In Britain, he used a common legal device, the purchase of property through nominees with no family link to the Bhuttos. His homes in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are called Bilawal House I,{{cite news|author=Burns, John F.| title=The Bhutto Millions: A background check far from ordinary| newspaper= The New York Times| date=9 January 1998| access-date=1 March 2011| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/09/world/the-bhutto-millions-a-background-check-far-from-ordinary.html}} Bilawal House II,{{cite news | author = Khan, Aamer Ahmed | title = No grand return for Zardari |work=BBC News |access-date=30 July 2011 |date = 6 April 2005 |url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4451823.stm }} and Zardari House{{cite news| title=Pakistan's Sharif barred from election|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/315267/1/.html | location = Singapore| publisher=Channel NewsAsia | date=3 December 2007 |access-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20110628194541/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/315267/1/.html |archive-date= 28 June 2011}} respectively.

He bought a 365-acre (148-hectare) 20-bedroom luxury estate in Rockwood, Surrey in 1995 through a chain of firms, trusts, and offshore companies in 1994. The country home's refurbishment abruptly ended in October 1996, shortly before the end of his wife's second term. He initially denied for eight years that he owned the property, and the bills for the work on the unoccupied mansion were not paid. Creditors forced a liquidation sale in 2004, and the Pakistani government claimed the proceeds because the home had been bought with money obtained through corruption. However, he stepped in to claim that he actually was the beneficial owner. {{As of |2008|11}}, the proceeds were in a liquidator bank account while a civil case continued.

The estate includes two farms, lodgings, staff accommodation, and a basement made into an imitation of a local pub.{{cite news|first=Alastair| last=Lawson| date=10 December 1999| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/558545.stm| title='Surrey Palace' saga for Benazir|work=BBC News| access-date=6 June 2009}} The manor has nine bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool.{{cite news | first=Nick | last=Hopkins | title=Pakistan lays claim to Surrey Mansion|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/apr/06/benazirbhutto|newspaper=The Guardian |location=UK | date=6 April 2010 |access-date=24 July 2011}}

He had sent large shipments from Karachi in the 1990s for the refurbishment of Surrey Palace. He has faced allegations from various people, including the daughter of Laila Shahzada,{{cite news | first=Dean | last=Nelson | title= Call to question President Zardari over art theft claims| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7925461/Call-to-question-President-Zardari-over-art-theft-claims.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7925461/Call-to-question-President-Zardari-over-art-theft-claims.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | location = London | newspaper=The Daily Telegraph | date=3 August 2010 |access-date=24 July 2011}}{{cbignore}} that he acquired stolen art to decorate the palace. He earlier had plans for a helipad, a nine-hole golf course, and a polo pony paddock.

Books about Asif Ali Zardari include:{{Cite web |title=Profile |url=https://openlibrary.org/search?q=Asif+Ali+Zardari |website=OpenLibrary}}

• Akram Shaikh, Āṣif ʻAlī Zardārī Kā Muqaddamah, Masāvāt Publications: 1998, 240 p.
• Collective, Qalam Kī Shahādat Āsif ʻAlī Zardārī Ke Bāre Men̲ Ahl-i Qalam Kī Taḥrīren̲, Fiction House: 2004, 208 p.
• Sayyid Sartāj Ḥusain, Asīr-i Zindān Aur Pākistān, Jumhoori Publications: 2007, 202 p.
• Murtaz̤á Anjum, Āṣif ʻAlī Zardārī: Jumhūrīyat Aur Mafāhamatī Siyāsat Ke ʻAlambardār, You Publishers: 2008, 208 p.
• Aḥmad Dāʼūd, Āṣif ʻAlī Zardārī: Mudabir Aur Zerak Siyāsatdān, Nai Roshni Publications: 2009, 380 p.
• Aṣg̲h̲ar ʻAlī Joʼiyah, Jel Se Aivān-i Sadr Tak, Jidd O Jahd Kā Safar Āṣif ʻAlī Zardārī Ke Kh̲ayālāt, Inkishāfāt, Iḥsāsāt, Dosti Publications: 2010, 187 p.
• Jāved Aḥmad Shāh, Āṣif ʻAlī Zardārī Shak̲h̲ṣiyat Va Siyāsat, Book Home: 2015, 176 p.

• Sattāru Rindu, Āṣif ʻAlī Zardārī: Qaidu Khān Qiyādata Tāʼīn, The Creators: 2008, 202 p.
• Mohan Laʻalu Mālhī, Āṣifu ʻAlī Zardārī, Pīpalz Pārṭī Ain Pākistān, Asha Publisher: 2010, 151 p.

• Shahid Hussain Vistro, Asif: Bhutto's Descendant & Desire, 2008, 88 p.
• Sagar Samejo, Pakistan Khappay: Asif, An Other Hope, Al-Hamd Publications: 2009, 380 p.

{{Portal|Pakistan|Biography|Politics}}

• Singapore Airlines Flight 117, the hijackers demanded Zardari's release

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Asif Ali Zardari}}

{{Wikiquote|Asif Ali Zardari}}

• {{C-SPAN|1032297}}
• {{Charlie Rose view|6650}}

• [https://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/pakistan.shtml President Zardari's 2008 address to the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly]
• [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/opinion/09zardari.html The Terrorists Want to Destroy Pakistan, Too]
• [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012702675.html Partnership With Pakistan]
• [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123612594791323985 Pakistan Is Steadfast Against Terror]
• [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704680804574620411590579566 "Democracy Is the Greatest Revenge"]
• [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704388504575419632502446788 Pakistan's Project of Renewal]
• [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/pakistan-did-its-part/2011/05/02/AFHxmybF_story.html Pakistan Did Its Part]

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