Early Life and Unforeseen Marriage

Asif Ali Zardari, born on July 26, 1955, in Karachi, Pakistan, emerged from an affluent background as the son of Hakim Ali Zardari, a prominent Sindhi landlord, businessman, and politician. Educated at Saint Patrick’s School in Karachi and later pursuing business studies in London, Zardari initially garnered attention for his nonchalant lifestyle, embracing the role of a polo enthusiast and displaying scant interest in the political arena.

His union with Benazir Bhutto, daughter of former president and prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was an unexpected twist. Their marriage, arranged and executed simply on December 18, 1987, resulted in three children—Bilawal, Bakhtwar, and Aseefa—despite their disparate lifestyles.

Political Turbulence in Pakistan

Zardari’s political voyage began under turbulent skies. Bhutto’s ascendancy to power after the demise of Pres. Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq marked the start of their tumultuous political journey. However, their tenure was clouded by corruption allegations, earning Zardari the moniker “Mr. Ten Percent” for alleged kickbacks during Bhutto’s premiership.

His political career witnessed imprisonments, accusations of corruption, and alleged involvement in the murder of Bhutto’s brother, Murtaza. Despite never being convicted, Zardari’s incarceration from 1997 to 2004 took a toll on his health, leading to medical treatment in the United States.

Read more:Marriyum Aurangzeb: Rivals Anticipate Nawaz Sharif as Next PM

Presidency and Political Maneuvers

Zardari’s elevation to Pakistan’s presidency in 2008 marked a significant milestone. However, his term was marred by strife with Nawaz Sharif and judicial battles over corruption allegations. The intensification of U.S. involvement in Pakistan, highlighted by the elimination of Osama bin Laden in 2011, further shaped his presidency.

Challenges persisted on the domestic front, notably the catastrophic 2010 floods and controversies surrounding the country’s blasphemy law. Criticism mounted against Zardari’s governance, leading to a decline in approval ratings and the PPP’s defeat in the 2013 elections.

Post-Presidency and Legal Battles

Despite stepping away from the presidency, Zardari remained active in the PPP. However, his return to Pakistan in 2016 was met with legal challenges and his subsequent arrest in 2019 on charges of money laundering. His son, Bilawal, increasingly assumed leadership within the party.

A comprehensive overview of His Networth and Assets

His estimated Networth stands above 2 $billion which is distributed through his assets in the following list:

Real Estate Properties:

• Karachi, Pakistan:
  • Plot no. 121, Phase VIII, DHA Karachi.
  • Huma Heights (Asif Apartments) 133, Depot Lines, Commissariat Road.
  • Trade Tower Building 3/CL/V Abdullah Haroon Road.
• Islamabad, Pakistan:
  • House No 8, St 9, F-8/2.
• Nawabshah, Pakistan:
  • Residential plot No 3 (Now House) Block No B-I, City Survey No 2268 Ward-A.
  • Plot No. A/136 Survey No 2346 Ward A Government Employees Cooperative Housing Society Ltd.
  • Plot No 3 & 4 Sikni (residential) Near Housing Society Ltd.
  • CafT Sheraz (C.S No.. 2231/2 & 2231/3).
• Hyderabad, Pakistan:
  • Agricultural land situated in Deh Dali Wadi, Taluka, Tando Allah Yar.
  • Agricultural property located in Deh Tahooki Taluka, District Hyderabad measuring 65.15 acres.
  • Agricultural land in Deh 42 Dad Taluka/ District Nawabshah.
• Out of Pakistan:
  • 355 acre Rockwood Estate, Surrey, UK.
  • 26 Palace Mansions, Hammersmith Road, London W14, UK.
  • La Manoir De La Reine Blanche and property in Cannes, France.
  • 12-3 Boulevard De-Nieuport, 1000, Brussels, Belgium.
  • Stud farm in Texas, USA.
  • Wellington Club East, West Palm Beach, USA.
  • Escue Farm 13,524 India Mound, West Palm Beach, USA.
  • Holiday Inn Houston owned by Asif Ali Zardari, Iqbal Memon, and Sadar-ud-Din Hashwani.

Agricultural Land Holdings:

• Nawabshah, Pakistan:
  • Agricultural land falling in Deh 76-Nusrat, Taluka, District Nawabshah measuring 827.14 acres.
  • Agricultural land situated in Deh 76-Nusrat, Taluka, District Nawabshah measuring 293.18 acres.
  • Agricultural land in Deh 76-Nusrat Taluka, Nawabshah.
• Tando Allah Yar, Pakistan:
  • Various parcels of agricultural land in different Dehs of Tando Allah Yar district.

Shares in Sugar Mills:

• Sakrand Sugar Mills Nawabshah.
• Ansari Sugar Mills Hyderabad.
• Mirza Sugar Mills Badin.
• Pangrio Sugar Mills Thatta.
• Bachani Sugar Mills Sanghar.

Foreign Bank Accounts and Companies:

• Various offshore companies in the British Virgin Islands.
• Bank accounts in Union Bank of Switzerland, Citibank, Barclays Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank Switzerland, and others.

This condensed list should provide a clearer overview of Asif Ali Zardari’s extensive real estate, agricultural holdings, shares in sugar mills, and foreign financial involvements.

Conclusion

Asif Ali Zardari’s journey from an unconventional marriage to the presidency, marked by political upheavals and legal battles, has been a saga of triumphs and tribulations. His contributions and controversies have left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s political landscape, painting a narrative of power, wealth, and persistent legal entanglements.