Zardari on the Hot Seat

Corruption allegations still haunt Pakistan's new power.

By Mark Hosenball and Michael Isikoff | Newsweek Web Exclusive

Aug 20, 2008 | Updated: 4:31 p.m. ET Aug 20, 2008

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Discuss

Posted By: MHumayun @ 09/11/2008 10:35:26 AM

Comment: A democracy can't work in a country where the masses are illiterate. The parties can give them a hundred rupees meal (barely $2) and get a vote. And now look at who is in power: The PPP which has no idea where its headed. It is hardly a civil society party, more so the party of corrupt leaders and illiterate followers who do not know any better. Can't wait for Kayani to walk in and establish a system through which maybe civil society and the middle class would benefit. Musharraf was not a bad guy, I just wish he hadn't given us the horrible NRO.
Posted By: helpless citizen @ 09/06/2008 11:05:54 AM

Comment: corruption is the other name of politicians in pakistan --- wait till he takes on the elected government of the punjab --- the saying will be --- it is democratic process --- then mules will be traded and the politicians will become again political prostitutes just wait n see ---- the 17th ammendment will remain in place and subservient judiciary will be in place to give more cover to his corruption
Posted By: wilmslow @ 09/04/2008 3:20:40 PM

Comment: we should not blame any politician for his corruption. it is the public of pakistan , they know every thing and every one. why they elect such people, because they dont like any honest person as a head of thier country. Corruption is every where in pakistan in all department. they are afraid of clean and honest person that's why they are happy with such politicians.
Posted By: wilmslow @ 09/04/2008 3:13:32 PM

Comment: it's not mistake of zardari but it;s the nation of pakistan . they do not want any honest person as a leader of our country. OTHERWISE PUBLIC KNOW EVERY THING AND EVERY ONE,
Posted By: atiqrahman @ 08/25/2008 8:09:53 AM

Comment: One criminal and symbol of Terror (Musharraf) step down and the Mafia chief (Zardari) has taken his seat. What a pity Pakistan, person who have no mendate but only have a charge sheet of his crimes and corruption is ruling over Pakistan. What do you think Mr. ten percent that by cutting your mustache and wearing politicians favourit dress can cover your ugly nature.

Well, its time to encash your wife's assasination, who herself had a charge sheets of corruption. Shame on you that you call yourself kins of "BUTTO" who sacrifise himself for the nation and Country.

By the way, while enjoying the ruling power, don't forget those elements who brought you there, if they did't spare your wife then what is your worth.
Posted By: atiqrahman @ 08/25/2008 7:54:01 AM

Comment: One criminal and Terrorist(Musharraf) step down and another Mafia Chief (Zardari) has taken his seat to abuse Pakistan. What a petty Pakistan, person who have no mendate but have a charge sheet of his crimes and corruption is ruling over Pakistan. Afterall, he have to get benefits of the assasination of his wife, who also had a charge sheet in Pakistan's , British and Swiss courts.

You criminals, how you claim the kins of "BUTTO" who sacrifise for the nation and country.
Posted By: Ziggyg @ 08/24/2008 3:48:11 PM

Comment: Hello folks-
No matter if a person is corrupt or considered clean; a politician will lie, drink alcohol, womenize. The West should give Zardari two thumbs up- he perfectly fits their profile. Pakistan is an Islamic nation represented by only some good people. The (foreign terrorists) people who claim to represent Islam are afraid to go back to their countries because they are cowards-they don't even hold any formal education and I bet you don't know how to read the Qu'ran and the meaning, and people who bomb equally fit the description of the foreigners. If they were men of their words they would not hide in caves, at the same time colonizers should realize that countries have already been freed from opression after WWII.
Posted By: iyark @ 08/22/2008 9:05:06 AM

Comment: For God's sake let this country be ruled by its people through their representatives.democracy has inbuilt mechanism to wipe out any weaknesses of the rulers ,just let it contunue.
Dr.Mustafa Rahu

Wow!! Dude can you write me a prescription of what you are smoking? BB died and gave PPPP to her son in a will which her husband is managing till son turns 21. Nawaz sherif don't trust anyone so he brought back his brother to be he CM of Punjab the list is long and full of nepotism and corruption, its easy to blame everything on the military but facing facts is difficult. Half of the parlimentarians are fuedal lords and don't give a crap about their people. Go visit interior sindh, punjab, nwfp or Baluchistan before writing left looney crap on international media.

As my professor said its easy to get laid when you pretend to be pinko but facing reality is a brave thing!
Posted By: Dr.Rahu @ 08/22/2008 1:13:56 AM

Comment: It has been a concerted effort by Pakistani establishment to malign the politicians by bringing charges of corruption against them in order to continue its stranglehold on the country and its people.
The have some "brazilian Parrots " to mimick their voices against politicians like many who have posted their comments on this website.they are the Tax evaders and enjoying concessions from every one including civil and military rulers.
For God's sake let this country be ruled by its people through their representatives.democracy has inbuilt mechanism to wipe out any weaknesses of the rulers ,just let it contunue.
Dr.Mustafa Rahu
Posted By: PeaceRoad @ 08/21/2008 11:17:21 PM

Comment: Oh God no!
Zardari is toooooo corrupt. He is Mr. hundred percent now. What a moron. Musharrf and company has already bankrupted this country, and now this moron.
All politicians are cut from same cloth. Look at Altaf Hussain idiot, who is supporting zardari for prez. Altaf idiot has no morals as well. First, he was supporting Gen. Musharraf Choora and now sucking up to corrupt Zardari. I wish these politicians paid little attention to the plight of poor people of Pakistan. Inflation is skyrocketing and no jobs being created. No wonder this country is sliding towards anarchy.
Peace on Earth!
Posted By: PeaceRoad @ 08/21/2008 11:13:17 PM

Comment: Oh God no!
If Zardari is too corrupt. He is now-a-days Mr. hundred percent. What a moron.
All politicians are cut from same cloth. Look at Altaf Hussain idiot, who is supporting zardari for prez. Altaf idiot has no morals as well. First, he was supporting Gen. Musharraf Choora and now sucking up to corrupt Zardari. I wish these politicians pay little attention to the plight of poor people of pakistan. Peace!
Posted By: TKhan2793 @ 08/21/2008 8:01:15 PM

Comment: He is a corrupt person,lowlife that was happy when his wife died.He does not care for the masses,neither does Mr Shareef,or Mr Asfanyar wali Khan,or Imran Khan.The correct action for the people of Pakistan to do is to not elect any person from any govt from 1947 till last week.New faces,new minds and new ideas.
Stop blaming India and afghanistan for your woes.Your entire Govt is corrupt.Ask you self how does a govt official making Rs 30,000 a month afford a 30 lac house.Look around your town and ask every officer
from grade 1=thru grade 24 how does he send his kids to private school,overseas, and live in house that cost 20-30 lacs.
Posted By: TKhan2793 @ 08/21/2008 7:35:06 PM

Comment: This Guy is so corruptand self centered that thw happiest day in his life was the death of his wife>wE IN PAKISTAN HAVE EVEN SHORTER MEMORIES than all the other countries.What we need to do is get rid
of all the old Gaurd
Tariq Khan (Pukhtoonistan)
Posted By: iyark @ 08/21/2008 4:37:14 PM

Comment: What surprises me is that even the ambasador chhotia in chief hussain haqqani don't know whether to follow the interst of Pakistan or get choot wiped everytime he says anything against PPPP from his wife
Posted By: iyark @ 08/21/2008 4:34:00 PM

Comment: Mr 10% (Zardari) was the cause of his wife (benazir) downfall, he will the cause of PPPP destruction.

samiabrahim@gmail.com white collar crimes are hard to prove in Pakistani or any courts specially in Pakistani culture where bribes are not documented and often happen under the table. Anyone thinks that Asif Zardari wasn't corrupt is sure smoking some thing strong.
Posted By: samiabrahim@gmail.com @ 08/21/2008 3:24:47 PM

Comment: I think it is unfair on the part of Newsweek to reprint t those allegations which were never proved in any court of law -pakistani courts or even swiss courts..I am amazed that the investigation which started by swiss authorities in late nintees has not been completed even after 9 years are passed ..And yet Newsweek rather than raising a question with swiss authorities what is taking so long to finish thisinquiry decided to maligin asif zardari whi is innocent until proven guilty by any court of law.
Posted By: Karenn1 @ 08/21/2008 10:35:23 AM

Comment: If you can't discuss it because of ,anonymity. Don't bother to bring the Subject up.It is worthless reporting and only help the Anonymity Liar.Anonymity will be MCCain V P. Anonymity. sells at the supermarket to nuts. Its worthless reporting.
Posted By: iyark @ 08/21/2008 10:11:54 AM

Comment: Some fun tidbits - Farah Ispahani is wife of Pakistan's ambasador to US Hussain Haqqani. Both husband and wife are famous and known partisan and corrupt in Pakistani political circles.

Many in Pakistan consider this couple as traitors and on the payroll of zardari.
Posted By: numberone @ 08/21/2008 1:44:47 AM

Comment: For anyone who disputes that Zardari was a bribe-taking corrupt politician, I have heard multiple first hand accounts of his activities and believe me he is guilty of massive corruption and looting. Have even heard from his own friends who made millions thanks to his "generosity"

What I don't understand is that why are all these stories cropping up now? A week ago Zardari was the saviour of Pakistan who was fighting against the "evil" General Musharraf??? What sort of propaganda is this? Looks like a smear campaign for sure... meant to portray everything about Pakistan in a negative light.

To Newsweek and it Editors - grow up and get a life! Zardari was corrupt 10 years ago and all the facts in your article, while true, have been around for years. Why publicise them now?

Musharraf for president (again)!
Posted By: awaz @ 08/21/2008 12:35:37 AM

Comment: I just love the last three lines of the article! So the Swiss will settle the charges "without any prison sentences" if they are allowed to "confiscate" the money! In other words, Zardari was being tried, partly at least, for exacting bribes, and he has a chance to bribe himself out of his legal troubles! Is that a routine
thing witin the Swiss legal system? Should the money seized be going back to Pakistan. I suggest that
money be handed to onone of world's biggest private charity, i.e. the Edhi Foundation of Karachi, Pakistan.

p.s. Why on earth would Newsweek (or rather "Spinweek") chose to file a piece about Zardari's legal troubles
under their "Terror Watch" file? Or is it just a crude trick to link anything related to Pakistan to the dirty "T"
word? Shame on you 'Spinweek" for your vicious smear campaign against Pakistan!
Posted By: Wajih @ 08/21/2008 12:26:31 AM

Comment: Asif Zardari was given the nicknam of Mr. 10 percent by politcal opponents of his wife the then invisible government of the country. During Benazir Bhutto's first term as Prime Minister some journalists were bribed to portray Mr. Zardari has as Mr. 10 percent and stories of his corruption were planted in the media to maling Bhutto who had come to power despite firece opposition by military backed establishement. He remained in jial for three years after the first dismissal of Bhutto's government in 1990 but nothing could be proved against him. He was arrested again after the dissmisal of second Benazir Bhutto in 1998 and remained in jail till November 2005. Once again nothing could be proved gainst him despite efforts by both the Nawaz Sharif lead PML-N government and well as military government under Musharraf no case was proved. Only case in which he was convcited was later set aside by the Supreme Court when it was proved that Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister had influenced the judge, Malik Qayyum who has just resigned as Attorney General, to convict Mr. zardari and Benazir Bhutto. It is wrong to say that Zardari had never been elected to political office. He was elected as member National Assembly in 1990 as well as 1993 and was elected as Senator in 1997. The talks about National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) are over exaggerated. Even if the NRO is withdrawn it will be difficult to convict Mr. Zardari during government of his own party when government headed by his fiercest opponents could not get him convicted. secondly al cases against Zardari were in lower courts and any adverse decision against him will take atleast three appeals in other courts before coming to Supreme Court for final adjudication and possble disqualification of Zardari. (wajih Abbasi)
- Posted By: helpless citizen @ 09/06/2008 10:58:31 AM
  
  Comment: robbers dont give receipts for robbery
Posted By: Retsos Nikos @ 08/20/2008 11:33:41 PM

Comment: Mr. Asif Zardari was not known in Pakistan as "Mr. 10% " for nothing when his wife Benazir Bhutto was prime minister. Anyone who wanted to do business with the Pakistani government then had to go through him with a "10%" bribe. He was convicted for, and spend time in prison. The Swiss charges are probably
related to that era, and his contention that are politically motivated is quite preposterous.

Now he is calling the shots in Pakistan because he inherited the party's leadership when his wife was
assassinated -even though he was not a candidate in last February's election, nor was he ever elected to any political post. Worse yet, his late wife made an agreement with Musharraf to drop the charges against
her and Zardari, and that is why Zardari objects so strongly on the reinstatement of the Chief Supreme Court Justice Chaoudry that Nawaz Shariff want reinstated. Zardari is affraid that Chaoudry may rule the
dismissal of the charges against him by Musharraf under a State of Emergency was unconstitutional, and
disqualify him from holding any public office.

Nawaz Shariff, leader of the second largest party in parliament, insists on the reinstatement of all judges unconditionally, and he won't allow Zardari to become a selfish and free-rolling kingmaker while Pakistan
is both politically and financially in a semi-comatose state. There is a lot of political turbulence ahead for Pakistan, and Zardari is not going to have an easy ride to political power and glory. He came from a corrupt past, became a political party leader by default of his wife's death, but it won't be easy for him to
corrupt the political process and become president. But if he does, by default -and with the U.S. clout- his future will be very uncertain, as will be Pakistan's chance for political stability. Nikos Retsos, retired academic.