President Zardari
With about a week to go Pakistan will have its 14th President and 18th Head of the State. From all counts Mr. Asif Ali Zardari appears to be the person destined to wear the crown this time, unless for certain reasons he passes on the mantle to his MNA sister Faryal Talpur. What could be the reasons for doing so? First and the foremost the indigenous and international reputation of the gentleman for amassing huge fortunes beyond his means and, for not being very particular in keeping his word either.International powers are reluctant to deal with people who have more assets abroad than their native lands. Nor, can they afford breach of their international agreements. Secondly, it could be embarrassing for him to declare his huge worldly assets to the Election Commission "“ as required under the law - and justify the taxes paid by him upon them. This might necessitate doctoring the documents. Making of such an enormous wealth public or hiding it from the authorities could prompt someone to take the matter to the court which with its newly found "˜independence' could decide the issue much to the dismay of the "˜virtual' president. Thirdly, in view of the medical records filed by Mr. Zardari in a London court and accepted by it that he suffered from dementia, major clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder among other range of mental illnesses in his defense to evade the corruption charges there, should a person with such a state of mind be allowed to keep his finger on the nuclear trigger of Pakistan which as a President he will have to do? It is a matter of concern for not only we Pakistanis but the entire world.
May be because of the above reasons he chooses to be a ring master operating the presidency with a remote control, as he is already doing with the prime minister-ship, than being on the centre stage and exposing himself to the local as well as international hazards connected with it.
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