Pakistan’s president hospitalized with COVID-19, set to be discharged soon

The personal physician of Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari announced on Saturday that the president is expected to be discharged from the hospital within 48 hours.

“There is nothing to worry about. There is no need for speculation. He is fine,” said Dr. Asim Hussain, addressing the media.

Dr. Hussain criticized the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media and by Indian news channels. “I’m upset that unsubstantiated reports are being circulated, which do not reflect what actually happened,” he said.

Explaining the sequence of events, Dr. Hussain stated that President Zardari traveled from Islamabad to Nawabshah last Saturday. “On Monday, he called me and said he was feeling weak and shivering. I suspected a urinary tract infection and prescribed some medication. However, I got another call later in the evening saying he was still unwell, feeling cold, and now running a fever.”

Dr. Hussain said he traveled to Nawabshah that night and, given the limited healthcare facilities there, decided to bring the president to Karachi.

“He was shifted to Karachi Monday night, where tests later confirmed he had contracted COVID-19. Some indicators had already pointed to this diagnosis. We began treatment accordingly,” he said.

Dr. Hussain noted that some antiviral medications required for COVID treatment were not available in Pakistan, so the hospital arranged for them from abroad.

“His health has gradually improved—his test markers, physical condition, everything. He will likely be discharged by tomorrow or the day after and will return home,” he added.

Responding to a journalist’s remark that the president may have caught “political COVID” rather than the actual virus, Dr. Hussain dismissed the speculation. He stressed that COVID-19 still exists in Pakistan, saying, “It may not be as lethal as before, but it is still around.”

President Zardari had tested positive for the virus three days ago

A statement from the President House said medical tests confirmed the infection, and Zardari has been advised to remain in isolation.

Earlier, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon refuted reports that the president was being moved to Dubai for treatment. He said the president’s health was improving.

“The reports about President Asif Ali Zardari being shifted to Dubai for treatment are inaccurate,” Memon posted on X early Wednesday. “His health is improving, and Inshallah, he will be fine very soon.”