President Asif Ali Zardari tests positive for COVID-19

President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19, as confirmed by his health advisor, Dr Asim Hussain, on Wednesday. This diagnosis comes after the President underwent several tests amid growing concerns over his health. 

Notably, this is not Zardari's first encounter with the virus, he previously tested positive in July 2022 with mild symptoms.

Zardari's personal physician, Dr Asim Hussain, confirmed his unwell health condition in a statement issued on Wednesday, stating that following several tests, it had been verified that President Zardari was "suffering from COVID-19, he is recommended to isolate for a while," he added.

Earlier, President Zardari had been hospitalized in Karachi after being brought from Nawab Shah. He underwent different tests, and the reports resulted in a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. 

Read: Sindh minister denies Zardari being shifted to Dubai for medical treatment

Dr Asim said that he was being taken care of by an expert team, and his medical condition was improving.

Earlier, the Pakistan Information Department (PID) cited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement, offering prayers for Zardari's quick recovery. 

"May God grant you complete health soon. The prayers of the entire nation are with you," the statement quoted the premier as saying.

In July 2022, Zardari tested positive for COVID-19 but experienced only mild symptoms, according to his son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. 

Read: President Zardari hospitalised in Karachi due to infection and fever

Subsequently, he had been hospitalized at Karachi's Dr Ziauddin Hospital for a week to treat a chest infection. His physician, Dr Asim Hussain, had reassured the public about Zardari's health via social media.

Last year, he suffered a fracture in his foot while deboarding an airplane. Following the fall, he was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, and after examination, his foot was placed in a cast. In March 2023, he underwent eye surgery in the United Arab Emirates.

In the previous year, Zardari was admitted to a private hospital in Karachi due to exhaustion and exertion caused by his frequent travels. 

The President, now 69, has been dealing with various health concerns over the past few years.