President Asif Zardari will be discharged within 48 hours, says physician

President Asif Ali Zardari is recovering steadily after contracting a non-fatal variant of COVID-19 and is expected to be discharged from the hospital within the next 48 hours, according to his physician Dr Asim Hussain.

In a press conference held in Karachi on Saturday, Dr Asim confirmed that the president's health had improved significantly. “The president is fine now,” he stated, urging an end to speculation surrounding Zardari’s condition.

The president tested positive for COVID-19 a few days ago and was placed in isolation. Dr Asim shared that Zardari was shifted to Karachi on Monday night, where treatment began under the supervision of infectious disease specialists at a private hospital.

According to Dr Asim, the virus was identified as a COVID-19 variant through medical tests. Although not fatal, the variant required medicines not available in Pakistan, which were specially arranged by the hospital.

He also criticized misinformation being circulated on social media and in Indian media outlets regarding the president’s health. “Even ailing individuals are not spared from political distortions,” he remarked.

Earlier, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon also rejected reports that President Zardari was being moved to Dubai for treatment, affirming that he was recovering well in Karachi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also contacted the president by phone to inquire about his health and offered prayers for his speedy recovery, saying the entire nation stands with him.