President Asif Ali Zardari suffers foot fracture at Dubai Airport

President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan sustained a fractured foot while deboarding an airplane at Dubai International Airport. The incident was confirmed by his office shortly after it occurred. According to a statement from the President’s House, Zardari was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment following the fall. Medical professionals placed his foot in a cast, which is expected to remain for four weeks. He has been advised to complete rest during this recovery period.

This injury adds to a series of health issues the 69-year-old president has encountered in recent years. In March 2023, he underwent eye surgery in the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about his overall health. Additionally, Zardari was hospitalized for a week in 2022 due to a chest infection at Karachi's Dr. Ziauddin Hospital. Amid rising speculation regarding his health, Zardari's personal physician and close aide, Dr. Asim Hussain, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that the president is in good health, attempting to quell rumors of any serious ailments.

In July 2022, Zardari tested positive for COVID-19, although he exhibited only mild symptoms. His son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), confirmed the diagnosis and expressed confidence in his father’s health. The president has also been hospitalized previously for “exertion and exhaustion” attributed to frequent traveling, indicating a pattern of health-related issues that have affected his ability to perform his presidential duties.

The incident at Dubai International Airport has sparked renewed discussions about President Zardari’s ability to manage his responsibilities effectively, given his ongoing health struggles. The government is keen to assure the public that Zardari remains committed to his role despite these setbacks. As he recuperates from this latest injury, the president's team has emphasized the importance of a thorough recovery to ensure he can fully resume his duties without further interruptions.