Pakistan president Zardari had minor heart attack: Minister

AFP

Islamabad, 07 December 2011: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari suffered a "minor heart attack" and has undergone an operation in Dubai, but is in good health otherwise and will return to Islamabad on Thursday, a minister told AFP.

 

Mustafa Khokhar, minister in charge of human rights, said that contrary to media reports there was "no question of any resignation" by Zardari, who is under pressure over a scandal that saw his ambassador to the US step down.

 

"He had a minor heart attack on Tuesday. He flew to Dubai where he had an angioplasty. He’s in good health now. He will come back tomorrow. There’s no question of any resignation," on Wednesday.

 

The minister contradicted presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar who said Zardari had been in hospital for tests and a planned medical check up.

 

State media said Zardari was accompanied by his physicians and personal staff, and that the tests were routine, linked to a "previously diagnosed cardiovascular condition".

 

Zardari has been under pressure from a scandal over a memo that has seen Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States resign, and had announced on Sunday that he would soon address a joint session of parliament.