President Asif Ali Zardari is recovering steadily and is expected to be discharged from the hospital either tomorrow or the day after, according to his personal physician, Dr. Asim Hussain, who dismissed ongoing rumours about the president’s health as baseless and politically motivated.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Dr. Asim provided a comprehensive update on President Zardari's condition and the timeline of events leading to his hospital admission. He said President Zardari travelled to Nawabshah from Islamabad last Saturday, and his health had deteriorated during Eid prayers in Nawabshah. It prompted an urgent medical response, but he was better, and there was no need to worry, he added.
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"He called me on Eid and informed me that he was feeling unwell; he had a weakness along with some shivering. Initially, I suspected a urinary tract infection. However, after I reached Nawabshah, it became clear that better medical facilities were needed," said Dr. Asim.
President Zardari was shifted to Karachi on Monday night at 3am, where tests confirmed that he had contracted a new variant of COVID-19. Dr. Asim assured the public that the president’s condition improved quickly due to timely diagnosis and treatment. He also noted that some of the required medication had to be sourced from abroad, as it was not available locally.
"There is no need to worry. The president is physically and medically fit and under expert care. His health is stable, and he will soon return home," he added.
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Dr. Asim also strongly criticized political opponents and foreign media, particularly Indian news outlets, for spreading false and fabricated reports about President Zardari's condition.
"It is unfortunate that social media and Indian channels are spreading baseless propaganda. All such reports are incorrect and misleading. The footage being circulated online is fake, most likely generated using AI," he said, adding that political opponents twist everything, be it someone's health or illness.
He further clarified that whether or not to release any official footage of President Zardari from the hospital is a political decision and cautioned that even genuine visuals might be labelled as fake by sceptics.
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Dr. Asim emphasized that only medical professionals are allowed to meet the president at the moment, and he is not holding any political meetings during his recovery.
In a broader comment on public health, he warned that COVID-19 still exists in Pakistan, albeit in less dangerous forms, and urged people not to be complacent. He added that various medicines had come into the market to treat the viral infection. He also mentioned that many people in the country are silently suffering from chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can complicate viral infections.
The president’s physician reassured the nation that Asif Ali Zardari’s health is in good hands and that there is no cause for concern.
