KARACHI, 23 November 2004 — After eight years in jail on corruption charges, Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was released on bail yesterday in a move the government heralded as a step toward “political harmony” with her opposition party.
The Supreme Court yesterday granted bail to Zardari, who has been accused in a slew of cases alleging graft during his wife’s two governments. Late yesterday, Amanullah Niazi, deputy superintendent of Karachi Central Jail, said Zardari was freed after a lawmaker from Benazir’s party deposited the 1 million rupees ($16,900) bail.
Benazir was delighted by the Supreme Court decision. “This morning’s verdict is a triumph of justice, which shows that those who show patience and persevere are ultimately rewarded,” Benazir said in a statement earlier. “Asif upheld the banner of the PPP with the courage of the bravest of the brave,” Benazir said, referring to her party.
“By the grace of Allah, I am very happy on my release and would like to go home,” Zardari said soon after being released. “My release is a victory for democracy, for PPP (Pakistan People’s Party) and for the people of Pakistan.”
Zardari admitted that his desire for a family reunion after eight long years, may not be fulfilled soon because of travel restrictions.
Hundreds of rowdy, cheering supporters gathered outside the hospital as news of his impending release spread.
Previously, courts had granted Zardari bail in all the cases against him, except for one related to the improper import of a BMW car. The Supreme Court ordered that he be freed in the BMW case on bail.
Zardari’s release would promote reconciliation, a government minister said.
“It is a positive development,” Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. “This will play an important role in creating an atmosphere of reconciliation.”
But Makhdoom Amin Fahim, vice president of the PPP, denied any deal had been cut with the government. “The party’s agenda is the democratization of the country’s policy ... it cannot, indeed will not, enter into any understanding with the regime,” Fahim said in a statement.
