Asif Ali Zardari

Asif Ali Zardari

President of Pakistan since 2008. The leader of the Pakistan People's Party. In early 1993 - a member of the interim government Balaka Sher Mazari, in 1993-1996 Minister in the government of his wife Benazir Bhutto. Owner of the company "Zardari Group Ltd."

Asif Ali Zardari (Asif Ali Zardari) was born on 26 July (according to other sources - July 21 [25]) in 1956 in the Pakistani city Navabshah (state of Sindh) in the family policy of Hakim Ali Zardari (Hakim Ali Zardari) [27], [29] . He grew up in Karachi, where he graduated from the so-called grammar school, Karachi (Karachi Grammar School) [27] (for alternative sources - a Catholic missionary school, St. Patrick's, where he studied and future President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf [25], [28]). Then Zardari entered the Cadet College in the city Petar [27], [48], from which he graduated in 1974 [38]. It is noted that in his youth Zardari had a reputation for Playboy [25], [39].
In the mid 1970's Zardari went to London. There, he attended business school Pedintonskuyu (Pedinton School) and studied at the London Business School, where it is believed he received a Bachelor of pedagogy, though by some accounts, education is not finished [38], [39], [30].
Subsequently Zardari assisted his father in the disposal of property and construction industry [52], [51]. In 1985, Zardari was running for the National State Assembly of Sindh, but lost the elections [in 1952]. December 18, 1987 Zardari married Benazir Bhutto, who was then leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and opposition leader [27], [25], [28], [49]. It was noted that at this time he showed no interest in politics [52], [50], [51] and was known more as a polo player that has its own team of "Zardari Four" [50], [51].
After the death of Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq in 1988, Bhutto became prime minister. Between 1988 and 1990, Zardari was nicknamed "Mr. 10 percent" because he suspected that the required 10 percent of contracts entered into by the Government of Bhutto's [39], [26], [27], [48].
In 1990 the Bhutto government was overthrown, but Zardari was arrested on charges of extortion, kidnapping [48], [46] and corruption [28], [47]. Zardari's arrest linked with the desire to discredit the Bhutto during her election campaign of [48]. At the same time Zardari was elected to the National Assembly, lower house of Pakistani parliament [47], members of which he remained until 1996 [27], [25].
In early 1993, Zardari was released from prison [46]. In April the same year Pakistani President Ghulam Ishaq Khan (Ghulam Ishaq Khan) overthrew the government succeeded Bhutto , Nawaz Sharif, and was appointed interim Prime Minister Sher Mazari Balaka (Balakh Sher Mazari). He established the interim government came in and Zardari, which were administered water and energy [45], [46], but in May the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Sharif returned to power [45].
In October 1993 the PNP won the elections, and Bhutto once again headed the government, which came with her husband. From 1993 to 1996 he was minister of the environment, and in 1995-1996 as Minister of Investment [27], [25], [28], [29]. Among his achievements at that time referred to the attraction of investments in the energy sector of Pakistan and the organization of construction of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline [27].
In November 1996 the Bhutto government was dismissed and Zardari, who had attempted to leave the country, was arrested [44]. He was given the blame for the murder of Murtaza Bhutto's World (Mir Murtaza Bhutto), his brother's wife, who spoke of a political opponent [28], [25], [39], [43], [30]. Cam Zardari accused of murdering his brother-in-the Pakistani secret service [39].
Later, Zardari was accused in a variety of crimes - from murder to corruption and drug trafficking [42]. In August 2004 he admitted that he had possession of the property is located in the English county of Surrey, estimated at 4.35 million pounds, with the government of Pakistan claimed that it was bought with money earned corruption [25]. Nonetheless, Zardari always insisted that all proceedings initiated against him were politically motivated, and none of them has not been proven [25], [39], [26], [30].
Finally, Zardari remained until 2004. It is alleged that the prison torture to him [25]. In this case, being in prison in 1997, Zardari was elected Senator and formally remained so until 1999, when the Senate of Pakistan, was dissolved following the military coup, headed by Pervez Musharraf [27], [25], [29].
In November 2004, Zardari was released on bail [43], [29]. December 21 was re-arrested after the failed to appear at the hearing in the murder of [25], [42], but almost immediately released again [41]. Soon Zardari flew to the United Arab Emirates, where on Dec. 31, 2004 again met with Bhutto [40]. After that Zardari did not attract much attention until the return of Bhutto in Pakistan [29].
In October 2007, Bhutto returned to Pakistan, but in December, died in a suicide attack. In January 2008, Zardari along with his son Bilavalom led TNG [26], [27], [37], [35]. The party won the elections in February 2008 and formed a coalition with the Pakistan Muslim League, led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Zardari himself did not participate in the elections, because unable to provide the necessary documents in time, including those required by law on the election of the bachelor's degree [36]. At the same time in March 2008, Zardari said he did not intend to become head of government and wants to concentrate on party affairs [39]. After that, the cabinet headed by Yousuf Raza Gillani [34], [25], [37].
In early August 2008 the coalition announced its intention to send Musharraf to resign [33], and succeeded before [32]. Nevertheless, the coalition fell apart due to the fact that Zardari - contrary to the promises given to them during the election campaign [28] - has refused to assist in the restoration of senior judges who opposed Musharraf in 2007 [26], [31]. Despite this, September 6, 2008 Zardari was elected as new president of Pakistan [27], [26]. 20 September the same year in his first address to the Pakistani Parliament Zardari urged to limit the President's right to dissolve Parliament and dismiss the government, which he linked to the previous dictatorial regimes [24].
A few hours after Zardari's statement in Parliament on Sept. 20, 2008 in Islamabad, there was one of the biggest attacks in Pakistan's history: the explosion near the Marriott Hotel, killing at least 53 people and wounding at least 266 people [23]. Responsibility for the blast took over a little-known group, the Fedayeen of Islam "[22]. 30 September Zardari said that the attack was an attempt to assassinate him, the Prime Minister and senior officials of the country that should have dinner at the hotel [21], [20].
In October 2008, one of the leaders of the terrorist networkAl Qaeda"Adam Gada (Adam Gadahn), also known as Azzam the American, called for the overthrow of Zardari [19]. Despite this attitude from the Islamists, the leadership of Pakistan formally protested against U.S. military operations conducted against al Qaeda and the radical movementTalibanin northern Pakistan [17]. 24 October 2008 Pakistan's Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the U.S. and calls for talks with the Taliban [18]. In mid-February 2009 there were reports that the Pakistani government is negotiating with the Taliban, which included the participation Zardari [13]. However, in early March, the Pakistani president said that his government has rejected the possibility of concluding peace with the Taliban [10]. A few days earlier, CIA director Leon Panetta also said that the U.S. is not going to stop its attacks in northern Pakistan [11].
In winter 2008-2009, the strained relations between Pakistan and India after there were suspicions that it is in Pakistan prepared a major terrorist attack that took place in late November 2008 in Mumbai, India [15]. Zardari denied that the attacks had any connection to his country [16]. Nevertheless, in February 2009, Pakistani authorities have acknowledged that the attacks in Mumbai partially plotted in Pakistan and said the arrest of those involved in these terrorist attacks of [14].
At the end of February 2009 in Pakistan have been protests caused the ban to the opposition leader Nawaz Sharif to hold elective office, who in turn said that the decision is Zardari [12]. After the riots in mid-March, executives of Pakistan has decided to fulfill the basic requirement of the opposition and reinstate the deposed Chief Justice Chaudhry, Musharraf, [9]. In the summer of 2009 were also withdrawn a ban on replacement Sharif elected positions and all charges against opposition leader [7], [8]. At the same time when, in August 2009, it was a criminal case against former President Musharraf, which actively sought Sharif, Zardari spoke out against political revenge against Musharraf [6].
In November 2009, Zardari voluntarily limited his presidential powers by transferring part of them, Prime Minister Gilani, in particular, the head of the government gained control of Pakistan's nuclear weapons [5], [4]. In April 2010 Zardari signed the constitutional amendment, yet increasingly challenged his authority. So, he lost the right to dissolve parliament and appoint the heads of the military command. The press noted that, starting from this moment the President of Pakistan has ceased to be the most influential person in the country and became the nominal head of state [1], [2].
Zardari is the director of "Zardari Group Ltd." [29]. It is alleged that Zardari suffers from a mental disorder associated with his long prison term [25], [26], [30].
Zardari - widower, had three children: in 1988, a son Bilaval (Bilawal), in 1990 - the daughter of Bahtavar (Bakhtawar), and in 1993 - the daughter of Asif (Asifa; Aseefa) [29], [25], [27]. In March 2010, after signing the law on organ transplantation Zardari inherited after the death to give his body to the organs [3].
Materials used

[1] Pakistan constitutional reforms signed into law. - BBC News, 4.19.2010
[2] Zahid Hussain. Pakistan's President Signs Bill Curbing Powers. - The Wall Street Journal, 4/19/2010
[3] Zardari donates all his organs. - Daily Times, 18.03.2010
[4] Chris Brummitt. Pakistan's president told to give up powers. - The Associated Press, 29.11.2009
[5] Pakistan's Zardari hands nuclear button to PM: spokesman. - Agence France-Presse, 28.11.2009
[6] Pakistani president favors reconciliation in Musharraf's case. - Xinhua, 18.08.2009
[7] Court in Pakistan acquits Sharif. - BBC News, 17.07.2009
[8] Pakistan lifts election ban on former PM Sharif. - Al Arabiya, 25.05.2009
[9] Kamran Haider. Pakistan defuses crisis, agreeing to restore judge. - Reuters, 15.03.2009
[10] Zardari rules out Taleban truce. - BBC News, 04.03.2009
[11] Karen DeYoung, Joby Warrick. Drone Attacks Inside Pakistan Will Continue, CIA Chief Says. - The Washington Post, 26.02.2009
[12] Election ban for Sharif brothers. - BBC News, 25.02.2009
[13] Khan Ismail. Pakistan and Taliban Appear Near Deal. - The New York Times, 16.02.2009
[14] Pakistan: Mumbai attackers trained here. - CNN, 12.02.2009
[15] Eric Schmitt, Somini Sengupta, Jane Perlez. US and India See Link to Militants in Pakistan. - The New York Times, 03.12.2008
[16] Zardari: 'Pakistan in no way responsible' for Mumbai attacks. - CNN, 02.12.2008
[17] Pakistan summons US envoy to protest missiles. - Reuters, 20.11.2008
[18] Saeed Shah. Pakistan rejects 'America's war' on extremists. - The Guardian, 24.10.2008
[19] 'Azzam the American' releases video focusing on Pakistan. - CNN, 04.10.2008
[20] Zardari says he escaped assassination at Marriott hotel. - Agence France-Presse, 01.10.2008
[21] Greta Van Susteren, Trish Turner. Interview With the President of Pakistan. - Fox News, 30.09.2008
[22] Little-known Islamic group claims Pakistan attack. - Reuters, 23.09.2008
[23] Salman Masood. More Bodies Pulled From Hotel Rubble in Pakistan. - The New York Times, 22.09.2008
[24] Abrar Saeed. Zardari asks Parliament to review his powers. - The Nation, 20.09.2008
[25] Asif Ali Zardari: From 'Mr 10 per cent' to Pak Prez. - NDTV, 06.09.2008
[26] Pakistani lawmakers elect Bhutto's widower as next president. - South Asia News, 06.09.2008
[27] Asif Ali Zardari's official profile. - The Associated Press of Pakistan, 06.09.2008
[28] Abubakar Siddique. Who Is Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan's Likely Next President? - Radio Free Europe, 05.09.2008
[29] Jason Burke. 'He doesn't read much, it's true. But you don't necessarily need to be a bookworm type to be president of Pakistan '. - The Guardian, 05.09.2008
[30] Stephen Graham. Pakistan's Zardari marked by corruption, tragedy. - The Associated Press, 05.09.2008
[31] Mubashir Zaidi and Laura King. Pakistan's ruling coalition implodes. - The News & Observer, 26.08.2008
[32] Zarar Khan. Musharraf resigns as Pakistan's president. - The Associated Press, 19.08.2008
[33] Pakistan's government moves to impeach Musharraf. - The Hamilton Spectator, 08.08.2008
[34] Sadaqat Jan. New Pakistani prime minister sworn in. - The Associated Press, 25.03.2008
[35] Syed Shoaib Hasan. Profile: Yusuf Raza Gillani. - BBC News, 24.03.2008
[36] Jane Perlez. Pakistani Party's Leader Chooses a Prime Minister. - The New York Times, 23.03.2008
[37] Ron Moreau, Zahid Hussain. New Leadership for Pakistan. - Newsweek, 22.03.2008
[38] Arshad Sharif. UK officials clueless about Asif's degree. - The Pakistan Dawn, 21.03.2008
[39] Jane Perlez. From Prison To Zenith Of Politics In Pakistan. - The New York Times, 11.03.2008
[40] Benazir Bhutto reunites with husband in Dubai after eight years. - The Hindustan Times, 01.01.2005
[41] Zarar Khan. Husband of former Pakistan PM released after arrest. - The Associated Press, 23.12.2004
[42] James Sturcke. Bhutto's husband arrested in murder inquiry. - The Guardian, 21.12.2004
[43] Asif Zardari released on bail. - The Daily Times, 23.11.2004
[44] John F. Burns. President of Pakistan Dismisses Bhutto Government. - The New York Times, 05/11/1996
[45] Farhan Bokhari. Pakistan's Court Reinstates Ousted Prime Minister Sharif. - The Christian Science Monitor, 28/5/1993
[46] Kathy Evans. Benazir is Back and Ishaq Has to Lump It. - The Observer, 4.25.1993
[47] Kathy Gannon. Benazir Bhutto, Party To Take Oath In Parliament. - The Associated Press, 11.02.1990
[48] M. Hasan Jafri. Bhutto's Husband Arrested on Kidnaping, Extortion Charges. - The San Francisco Chronicle, 11.10.1990
[49] Barbara Crossette. Daughter of Determination: Benazir Bhutto. - The New York Times, 2.12.1988
[50] Cotten Timberlake. Opposition Leader Agrees to Arranged Marriage. - The Associated Press, 31.07.1987
[51] Howell Raines. Benazir Bhutto to Marry, in a Pact by 2 Families. - The New York Times, 31.07.1987
[52] Bhutto Engagement Takes Pakistan by Surprise. - Reuters, 30.07.1987