Allegedly one of Pakistan’s most corrupt politicians, Asif Ali Zardari has been elected president by the Pakistani parliament and provincial assemblies.
All remaining corruption charges against him were dropped in the months leading up to his election. What follows is a brief history of the criminal and corruption charges which have linked him with fraud, money-laundering, receiving bribes, and even murder.
1990
Arrested on charges of blackmail. Accused of attaching a bomb to a Pakistani businessman, forcing him to withdraw money from his bank account. Charges dropped in 1993 when wife Benazir Bhutto becomes Prime Minister for the second time. Serves as Minister for the Environment from 1993-1996.
1993
Murtaza Bhutto, brother of Benazir, confronts Zardari over bringing the Pakistan People’s Party into disrepute over corrupt activities. Meeting ends acrimoniously with Murtaza Bhutto famously shaving off half of Zardari’s moustache. It is widely believed that Zardari used police connections to have Murtaza Bhutto assassinated in 1996.
1995
Opens Citibank account which Swiss investigators allege passed some USD 40m in illegal payoffs from foreign companies doing business in Pakistan. Includes a one-time payoff of USD 10m from a West Asia gold bullion dealer in return for a monopoly on Pakistan gold imports.
1997
Zardari and Bhutto allegedly receive USD 2m in kickbacks relating to the purchase of 8,000 Polish tractors as part of the Awami Tractor Scheme.
1997-2004
Imprisoned in Pakistan on corruption charges and in connection with the murder of Judge Nizam Ahmed in 1996. Granted bail in November 2004 but was re-arrested on 21 December 2004 after failing to attend a hearing in the Nizam Ahmed case. Zardari alleges that he was tortured during his seven-year confinement – charges backed by human rights groups.
1998
Swiss Government gives Pakistan government documents relating to corruption allegations against Zardari and wife, Benazir Bhutto involving USD 13.7m in laundered money.
French authorities reveal that Zardari proposed to give Dassault Aviation exclusive rights to replace Pakistani airforce fighter jets in return for a 5% commission.
1998-1999
Enquiry conducted by Pakistan’s Public Accounts Committee into two counts of fraud worth nearly USD 3.3m over the purchase of helicopters. The case referred to the National Accountability Bureau in 2000-02 but no action was taken.
August 2003
Swiss magistrates find Zardari and Bhutto guilty of money laundering, sentencing them to six-month suspended jail terms, a fine of $50,000 and ordering them to pay USD 11m to the Pakistani government.
August 2004
Admitted to owning a 365-acre estate in England, including a 20-room mansion, which Pakistani authorities allege was bought with the proceeds of corruption.
October 2006
Application to halt corruption proceedings thrown out by Pakistan court. Gained the nickname “Mr. Ten-percent” after the cut he allegedly received from a series of corrupt business deals.
March 2008
Five different corruption cases against Zardari dropped by judges appointed by President Pervez Musharraf. Charges in connection with the murder of Justice Nizam Ahmed were also dropped.
August 2008
All cases against Zardari in Swiss courts dropped at the request of Pakistani authorities. USD 60m in allegedly laundered money restored. Zardari denies the money is his.
6 September 2008
Zardari elected President of Pakistan, winning 479 from 702 votes from lawmakers in both houses of parliament and four state assemblies.
5 Comments
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give him 20 per cent he will sell the pakistan to you
Zardari has upgraded to 100% now. Thanks to him bankruptcy is around the corner.
He is intrested in cash flow as aid to Pakistan so that he may redirect it into his account. I ask you a question, whether anyone in pakistan is ready to call him an honest man.
i think that zardari has no shame nor he has any character he is veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyymuchcharacterless person he can do every thing for the sake of money even he cansell our beloved country may God bless our country save it from traitor like dakoo zardari ameen summa ameen
Dear friends, brothers, sisters -
Great article, true and a wake up call for those who believe in the Day of Judgement.
Question: What are WE as an Ummah or as a nation or as humans doing about it?
Every nation has good and bad. Dont blame Israel or America. The fault lies individually & collectively with me and you.
Again – WHAT are WE doing about it?
Read about the Balauchistan Reko Diq Three Trillion dollar Pakistan Gold scandal. Pass the info around .. Pakistan can rise and help the whole world.