“We have no reason to speculate about that. The information that ... we have is that he has sought medical treatment for a number of medical challenges and we wish him a speedy recovery and certainly we expect that ... he will receive the treatment he is seeking and ... then be able to return in full health to his duties,” Clinton said.

She was responding to reporters when asked about the possibility Zardari might be in the process of being pushed out for political reasons.

Meanwhile, the presidential spokesman said on Thursday that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari is stable and resting in a Dubai hospital and will undergo further tests, according to his doctor.

“The president is stable, comfortable and is resting. Initial tests and investigations have been within normal range,” spokesman Farhatullah Babar said in a text message.

Zardari is in Dubai for treatment for a heart condition, raising speculation that the unpopular leader may resign.

“Further tests will be carried out. The president is recuperating,” said Babar.

One source said Zardari had suffered a minor heart attack. His hospitalization has added a new element to uncertainty in Pakistan, an unstable, nuclear-armed US ally facing everything from Taleban suicide bombings to crippling power cuts.

Zardari has been under heavy pressure in recent weeks following the resignation of the country’s ambassador to Washington over an alleged memo to the Pentagon asking for help in forestalling a feared coup attempt in May.

The extent of his involvement in the case is a burning question in Pakistan, where the military dominates, setting security and foreign policy.

Zardari was due to address Parliament this week after the Supreme Court admitted an opposition leader’s petition demanding a judicial inquiry into the memo issue, including any role played by Zardari. That address has now been postponed.

If he were to leave office, he would become vulnerable to long-standing corruption charges in Pakistan by losing his legal immunity as a head of state.