Amidst speculation that the scope of the ongoing anti-corruption drive will be broadened which may bring in other high profile individuals, including some very senior PPP leaders, into the net the party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has decided to stay abroad. He will, therefore, not attend the eighth death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto on December 27.
This was claimed by former President Zardari's critics on a condition of anonymity. They further said the former President was staying abroad to avoid the possibility of any interrogation by law enforcement agencies that are not under the direct command of the Sindh Chief Minister.
Insiders within the PPPP however told Business Recorder that Asif Zardari, who has been abroad for over 6 months, is unlikely to return to attend the eighth death anniversary of the party's late chairperson Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bux as he is unwell and his doctors have advised him to take rest and avoid travel. However, some PPP leaders told Business Recorder that Zardari may attend the ceremonies of his late wife's death anniversary and will promptly return to Dubai to pursue his medical treatment.
"If he [Zardari] continues his stay in Dubai, arrangements could also be made for his address via a video link to the gathering at Benazir Bhutto's mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bux," said a senior PPP leader who also requested anonymity. The sources further maintained that the party's senior leaders have advised Asif Ali Zardari to remain abroad till the "situation returns to normalcy". "We are not against Rangers continuing operations in Karachi against the criminal elements but are concerned that they remain within the mandate given to them," said the PPP leader.
The former president has been in Dubai for the last six months and according to party sources, is being treated for a serious back problem. In the absence of Asif Ali Zardari in the country, the sources said, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is leading the party and will be the key speaker at Benazir Bhutto's death anniversary.