Clinton calls on Pakistan President Zardari

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on President Asif Ali Zardari here on Monday to discuss the way forward in the Pakistan-US ties. The two discussed the bilateral relations and reviewed recent positive developments in the relationship, including the opening of the Ground Lines of Communications for the Nato supplies to Afghanistan through Pakistan.

The meeting was held here on the sidelines of the 67th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.

The president and Secretary Clinton discussed the situation in Afghanistan and how Pakistan and the United States could cooperate in helping bring peace and stability in that country. President Zardari assured Secretary Clinton that Pakistan was prepared to do everything in its power to help an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

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The Pakistan president also took the opportunity to express the deep dismay of the people of Pakistan over the blasphemous video. He said, “One or two insane persons should not be allowed to endanger the world peace in the garb of freedom of expression.”

Read more: The News

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Breaking News: Pak PM paves way for reopening of graft cases against President Zardari

Pakistan's Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Tuesday informed Pakistan's Supreme Court that the government would revoke a former attorney general's letter to Swiss authorities for the closure of graft casesagainst President Asif Ali Zardari. 

Appearing before a five-judge bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa to face a contempt charge for failing to reopen the cases against the President, Ashraf said he had instructed law minister Farooq Naek to revoke the letter that was written by former attorney general Malik Qayyum in late 2007. 

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With the revocation of the letter written during the regime of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, it will be up to the Swiss authorities to decide whether the cases against Zardari should be reopened, legal experts said. 

read details: Times of India

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Pakistan PM charged with contempt

Pakistani PM Yousuf Raza Gilani has been charged with contempt in an appearance before the country's Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has said Mr Gilani defied a court order to write to the Swiss authorities and ask them to re-open the cases against Mr Zardari.

The prime minister, who faces jail and being barred from office if convicted, pleaded not guilty.

Read more: BBC

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Govt to make history, not headlines, says Pakistan President Zardari

[ via The Express Tribune ] 27 Dec

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said on Tuesday that his government is in power “to make history and not headlines.”

(Pakistan president vows to make history, not headlines Shot from a video clip)

He was speaking to the mourners gathered at the Bhutto mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bux to observe Benazir Bhutto’s fourth death anniversary.

The President also claimed that his government has managed to achieve 80% of their objectives. He further criticized the judiciary and said that he wished the courts were under his control.

“Making a nation is the art of the impossible, and I am doing the impossible.”

Read more at: The Express Tribune

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Pakistan President Zardari may fly to UK for Treatment

[ First Post.World ]  9 Dec

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari may fly to London from Dubai for further treatment for his heart complications, media reports quoting his aides said today, fuelling speculation that he is unlikely to return home in the near future.

“Zardari will continue to be under observation in Dubai for some more days and it may last even more than two weeks,” Gulf News reported, as the media in Islamabad said the Pakistan president is “likely to be flown to London for detailed treatment.”

Earlier, Pakistan’s ‘The News’ daily said Zardari, 56, had a “mild” stroke that caused bleeding in the brain and facial paralysis before he was flown to Dubai for treatment.

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USA wishes Pakistan's President Well

[ Dawn News ] 8 Dec

The United States Wednesday wished Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari well after aides said he suffered a heart attack and dismissed rumors that the civilian leader was being pushed out.

White House spokesman Jay Carney is quoted as saying:

“We have seen the reports. We certainly wish him a speedy recovery.”

Zardari’s illness sparked media reports that he is contemplating resignation, but loyalists ruled out the idea he may step down.

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Pakistan President Zardari Admitted in Dubai Hospital

[ India TV News ] 7 Dec

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari was hospitalised in Dubai  on Tuesday for medical checkups, as he was complaining of heart pain.  Zardari went to Dubai along with the team of his family physicians for extensive medical checkups.

Pakistan President Zardari admitted in Dubai hospital

Meanwhile,  US magazine Foreign Policy reported that Zardari had been feeling increased pressure over the Memogate scandal. According to the US magazine, Zardari may have angioplasty on Wednesday and may also resign on account of 'ill health.'

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